“Comparing the future demand for, supply of, and life-cycle emissions from bio, synthetic, and fossil LNG marine fuels in the European Union” was released by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) in September 2022.

Authors: Bryan Comer, Jane O’Malley, Liudmila Osipova, and Nikita Pavlenko. 

The report estimates that renewable LNG will be seven times more expensive than fossil LNG in 2030. The shipping industry would be heavily dependent on EU subsidies or other policies to compete. 

The justification for investment in fossil LNG-fueled ships relies on the ability to switch to bioLNG or e-LNG – made using renewable electricity – in the near future. This assumption depends on a scenario where renewable LNG supply would be enough for the shipping sector demand. 

Furthermore, in order for renewable LNG to make a significant contribution towards our climate goals, the shipping industry would need to complete the unsolved tasks of:

• Virtually eliminating methane slip from marine engines.
• Reducing upstream methane leaks.
• Eliminating methane leaks from fuel and cargo tanks. 

Read the report to learn more.