France to alter regulations to boost use of LNG as fuel

France could soon make a regulatory change that will allow liquefied natural gas (LNG) refueling at ports as it looks to secure its presence in the market. 

Speaking at a maritime conference in the port of Le Havre, French prime minister Edouard Philippe said the country has to grasp the energy transition and equip the French ports with LNG infrastructure, Reuters reports.

While LNG as marine fuel is not widespread, the cost of adapting the bunker fuels to comply with tightening emissions regulation standards has brought liquefied natural gas under the spotlight.

Recently, the French shipping company  CMA CGM decided to equip nine of its newbuild 22,000 TEU containerships with engines running on LNG, with deliveries scheduled for 2020.

The company has entered discussions with partners to adapt port infrastructure in preparation for the deliveries of its vessels.

LNG World News Staff