Aspects of using LNG as a marine fuel

The paper presents a probe of LNG usage analysis as a marine fuel. The restrictions of harmful substances emission to atmosphere from marine engines, especially in controlled emission areas (ECA and SECA areas) of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides, forces the engine makers to use additional installations, which operation may fulfill the cleanness requirements of exhaust gases. The option is a usage such marine fuels which fulfill the requirements without any cleaning processes. Such fuels are gaseous fuels, especially liquid natural gas (LNG) or compressed natural gas (CNG). It was undertaken many tests for determination the conditions of safety bunkering, storage on board, preparation and supplying the fuel to the engine and realization of working process. About dozens merchant ships were applied LNG as a fuel. There is enough experience for spreading the LNG usage. The basic problem is still the limited network of LNG distribution in ports. The next one is the conviction of ship-owners that is no return from transition to the LNG or CNG fuelling. In the end it may occurred to the double beneficial situation that the fuel costs would be decreasing and simultaneously the improvement of exhaust gases quality (the restriction of negative effects for the natural environment).