US maritime watchdog endorses LNG and bio-LNG in NZF

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is considering the inclusion of LNG and bio-LNG in its New Zero-Fuel (NZF) framework. Laura DiBella, FMC’s commissioner, believes the framework must accommodate a wide range of alternative marine fuels for effective emissions reduction. She argues that emissions targets should be based on the actual viability, affordability, availability, and scalability of alternative fuels, rather than arbitrary deadlines or restricted fuel choices.

DiBella highlights the potential of LNG and bio-LNG to supply over 60% of global maritime fuel by 2050. Bio-LNG, derived from organic agricultural sources, can seamlessly utilize existing LNG supply chains and cater to the increasing number of LNG-fuelled vessels. Rather than restricting alternative fuels, the focus should be on ensuring supply and infrastructure investments keep pace with growing demand.

DiBella stresses that emissions reductions must be linked to the demonstrated viability and realistic availability of alternative fuels, not a predetermined implementation date or limited fuel options. These comments are made in anticipation of next month's IMO technical session, where the organization will address remaining issues surrounding the NZF after it failed to gain adoption last year.

The US has previously opposed the NZF proposal for global adoption, even calling for its scrapping earlier this year. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is 86 times more heat-trapping than CO2 in the first 20 years after its release, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.