Development of the Adoption of Liquefied Natural Gas as a Fuel for Shipping on the Great Lakes

Abstract

The adoption of the International Maritime Organization's emission control areas by the United States and Canada compelled operators of short sea vessels on the Great Lakes to seek alternatives to current fuel usage. Because of the concurrent discovery and extraction of large quantities of natural gas in the United States and Canada, ship owners have the opportunity to switch to natural gas. Converting to a new fuel is a complex process involving research and changes in operations, engineering, supply chains, and training. The Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute has been involved in a multiyear study supported by government agencies and industry to prepare for the adoption of natural gas as a primary fuel for U.S. vessels on the Great Lakes. This paper discusses the research process, including marine engineering studies, vessel operational issues, investigating regulatory issues, the development of supply chains, public outreach, and the analysis of fuel alternatives for vessels. The environmental benefits that accrue from conversion, as well as the potential operational costs, are compared. Steps in the conversion process, including siting of natural gas liquefaction plants and fuel taxation, are proposed.

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