A joint industry project focused on the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on the West Coast aims to identify and address barriers for LNG as a marine fuel in Canada. The estimated USD 1.2M project involves 17 participating organizations including Port Metro Vancouver, BC Ferries, Seaspan, and the British Columbia Institute of Technology along with marine classification societies, technology and services providers, standards development groups, federal and provincial governments, and natural gas producers and suppliers.
Stringent emission regulations coming into force in 2015–2016 mean that vessel owners operating within 200 miles of the West Coast and in other regions of Canada will need to use lower sulphur distillate fuel, install exhaust after-treatment technologies, or switch to LNG in order to comply. LNG offers significant air quality benefits producing 80% lower NOx and particulate matter, and a 90% reduction in SOx emissions. LNG can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships by up to 25%.
Launched in late 2012, the West Coast Marine LNG project will conclude with the release of a final report in November 2013. It will document the technology-readiness, training, safe operations and regulatory requirements, and environmental and economic benefits from a Canadian perspective. The project is supported by the Government of Canada under the direction of the Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance (CNGVA) who is playing a lead role in coordinating participation and resource contributions. The CNGVA is Canada’s national trade association that advocates for greater use of natural gas as a primary transportation fuel for the benefit of Canada’s economy and environment.