Houston-headquartered classification society ABS has joined the SEALNG coalition whose objective is to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel.
SEALNG brings together players from across the supply chain, including shipping companies, classification societies, ports, LNG suppliers, downstream companies, infrastructure providers and original equipment manufacturers to address market barriers and transform the use of LNG as a marine fuel.
“We bring to this organization more than 150 years of experience and a strong commitment to helping create a safer and more sustainable shipping industry. As a technology and innovation leader, ABS understands future energy demands and the environmental drivers of today’s dynamic markets and takes a forward-looking approach to helping balance those challenges with operational safety and performance needs,” said ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki.
ABS classed the world’s first LNG carrier conversion, the Methane Pioneer, in 1959 as well as the first newbuild LNG carrier, Methane Princess, in 1964.
The company also launched its Global Gas Solutions team in 2013 to support industry in developing gas-related projects.
In June 2016, ABS joined forces with Arista Shipping, Deltamarin, Technigaz (GTT) and Wärtsila in the ‘Project Forward’ program to develop a dry bulk carrier concept that employs LNG as fuel.
“ABS brings a wealth of industry expertise and perspectives that will greatly benefit SEALNG’s work to accelerate the widespread adoption of LNG as a marine fuel and promote its benefits as a clean, safe, practical and economically viable fuel for the shipping industry,” SEALNG Chairman Peter Kelle r said.