The Baltic Sea has the potential to become a pilot area for the use of LNG as shipping fuel in Europe, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said last week at the Baltic Sea Summit in St. Petersburg.
“ The dynamic economic growth and development of the Baltic Sea region is putting increased pressure on the marine environment. The impacts of climate change will add to this pressure ,” he said.
Norway supports technological solutions to meet the new requirements for the maritime industry in the Baltic Sea, according to the Minister.
“ One of the most promising alternatives is the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as fuel for ships, ” the Prime Minister said.
By using LNG, sulphur and particle emissions are eliminated. Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) are reduced by 90 per cent.
And CO2 emissions are reduced by around 20 per cent.
The Baltic Sea region has strong and innovative maritime industries and traditions. And the distances in the Baltic Sea are ideal for short sea shipping.
“ Therefore, we believe that the Baltic Sea has the potential to become a pilot area for the use of LNG in Europe ,” the Minister stressed.
“ We welcome increased cooperation between governments and businesses to meet environmental challenges. I am glad to see that Norwegian companies are involved in finding solutions for a cleaner Baltic Sea ,” he added.
[mappress] LNG World News Staff, April 8, 2013; Image: regjeringen.no