DNV GL at MARINTEC CHINA 2019: New DNV GL class notation helps to boost LPG as ship fuel (FOTO)

Shanghai (ots) - As the maritime industry looks to reduce emissions to air and
work towards the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) greenhouse gas
reduction strategy, alternative fuels are coming to the fore. Classification
society DNV GL, recognizing that, with the exception of LNG, international
regulations for such fuels are absent, developed new class rules and a class
notation "Gas fuelled LPG" for using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as fuel in
anticipation of growing industry interest. A respective announcement was made
today at Marintec China trade fair in Shanghai.

Except for liquefied natural gas, currently all gases and low-flashpoint fuels
are subject to the 'alternative design approach', which means that they may be
used if their safety, reliability and dependability of the systems can be shown
to be equivalent to those achieved by new and comparable conventionally fuelled
main and auxiliary machinery. This can be a time-consuming and costly process
and may impede the uptake and expansion of lower emission alternative fuels.

"With the new rules and class notation, we want to offer owners interested in
LPG a straightforward path towards compliance with the alternative design
approach mandated by the IGF Code," said Geir Dugstad, Director of Ship
Classification & Technical Director at DNV GL - Maritime. "As the fuel
environment within the maritime industry becomes more diverse, it is essential
that we continue to broaden the enabling rules and regulation to support these
new choices."

"Gas as fuel is the best choice for the next decades, because it can be adapted
to future carbon neutral fuels. For example, LPG and LNG infrastructure could be
used for zero carbon fuels like ammonia, biogas and synthetic methane, depending
on the materials used," said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO DNV GL - Maritime, at the
Marintec China trade fair in Shanghai.

The new rules and notation are based on DNV GL's rules for ships using LNG as
fuel but account for the differences in properties and phases between LPG and
LNG. The "Gas fuelled LPG" notation covers internal combustion engines, boilers
and gas turbines for both gas-only and dual-fuel operations. It also includes
requirements for the ship's fuel supply, considering all aspects of the
installation from the bunkering connection up to and including the LPG consumers
(main and auxiliary engines, boilers, etc.).

LPG as a fuel can lower a vessel's emissions to air, both in terms of greenhouse
gases and other pollutants. It virtually eliminates sulphur emissions and
reduces GHG output by approximately 17 per cent compared to burning HFO or MGO.
LPG could also act as a bridging fuel to ammonia, as the materials used for LPG
tanks and systems is, in most cases, suitable for ammonia. With advanced
planning, the adjustments needed for a switch to ammonia from LPG could also be
minimized.

Read more about LPG as ship fuel in our MARITIME IMPACT portal:
http://ots.de/ONCFWc

About DNV GL

Driven by our purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL
enables organizations to advance the safety and sustainability of their
business. We provide classification, technical assurance, software and
independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy
industries. We also provide certification services to customers across a wide
range of industries. Operating in more than 100 countries, our professionals are
dedicated to helping our customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.

About DNV GL - Maritime

DNV GL is the world's leading classification society and a recognized advisor
for the maritime industry. We enhance safety, quality, energy efficiency and
environmental performance of the global shipping industry - across all vessel
types and offshore structures. We invest heavily in research and development to
find solutions, together with the industry, that address strategic, operational
or regulatory challenges. For more information visit www.dnvgl.com/maritime

Contact:
Nikos Späth, Head of Media and Public Relations
DNV GL Maritime Communications
Phone: +49 40 36149-4856
Email: nikos.spaeth@dnvgl.com

Additional content: https://www.presseportal.de/pm/114675/4459040
OTS: DNV GL

Original-Content von: DNV GL, übermittelt durch news aktuell