Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas in a liquid form. The gas becomes liquid by cooling it down to approximately -162°C. By doing this the volume of the gas shrinks 600 times, making it easier to store and transport.

Sailing on LNG as compared to diesel reduces air pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions, noise emissions and the operational costs. Reduction of the operational costs leads in some cases also to a positive business case.

GHG emissions

• Greenhouse gas reduction: up to 10% 

Air pollutant emissions (NOx, PM)

• NOx reduction: at least 70%
• PM reduction: up to 95%

The investment size highly depends on the type of ship, but approximately lies around € 1,2 mln.

In contrast to diesel, the quantity of LNG is being expressed in kilograms and not in liters. An indicative price estimate for a ton of LNG is €400.

It is for inland vessels possible to bunker in three ways: 

• Truck-to-ship 
• Station-to-ship
• Ship-to-ship
  

The webpage for bunkering locations provides more information about the bunkering options at specific locations. 

The range depends on the capacity of the fuel storage tank. For example, the ship Eiger-Nordwand has a fuel storage tank on board with a capacity of 60m³. With this capacity on board it is possible for the Eiger-Nordwand to sail from Rotterdam to Basel and back without any refuelling.

LNG becomes an interesting economic alternative to diesel, when the yearly fuel consumption of the ship is approximately at least 500m³.

LNG is non-toxic, non-corrosive and due to its extreme low temperature also non-flammable. However, it does become flammable after vaporization into a gaseous state.

It is possible to apply for a subsidy for a retrofit to LNG. Please contact us for more information.