Three of the marine sector’s major technology companies, WinGD, Wärtsilä and GTT, have agreed to collaborate in making the use of LNG fuel a viable option for ship owners and operators.

According to the three companies, compared to conventional marine fuels, LNG produces 80 percent less nitrogen oxide (NOx) and 30 percent less CO2 emissions. It also has almost no sulphur content.

In addition, they say that notable advances have been made in the acceptance of LNG as a marine fuel, citing CMA CGM’s order for nine ‘mega’ containerships to be built with LNG-fuelled engines.

In close cooperation, the three companies provided the required equipment for these vessels, which they claim will be the first of their type and size to operate on LNG.

“High efficiency and environmental sustainability are key pillars in building a successful future for shipping,” said Rolf Stiefel, vice president sales and marketing at WinGD. “This is why it is so important to work together, with other industry leaders, to make ship propulsion as efficient and green as possible.”

Through the collaboration WinGD, Wärtsilä and GTT plan to speed up the acceptance of LNG as a fuel for all types of vessels in the global marine industry.

Philippe Berterottière, chairman and ceo of GTT, added: “Operating on LNG fuel requires close integration between the engines, the fuel cargo tanks, and the fuel supply and control system.

“We are three companies having expertise in these fields, and by cooperating together we can optimise this integration process to the benefit of owners and operators around the world.”

www.wartsila.com

www.wingd.com

www.gtt.fr