The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, as the busiest ports in the United States, have identified liquefied natural gas (LNG) and methanol as the main options for marine fuels in the short and medium term. This information was presented in a new study that examines the demand and necessary infrastructure to support clean marine transportation at these ports.
Annual Demand for LNG and Methanol
The study predicts that the annual demand for LNG at the San Pedro Bay ports could reach between 65,000 to 115,000 metric tons by 2030. Additionally, the demand for methanol could vary from 64,000 to 250,000 metric tons depending on market conditions and the development of alternative fuel vessels. These findings come as shipping companies are increasingly investing in dual-fuel ships that can operate with alternative fuels.
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Measures to Reduce Pollution
About 4,000 ships visit these two ports in Southern California annually, and greenhouse gas emissions from ocean-going vessels are considered the largest source of pollution at these ports. Therefore, providing clean marine fuels is of great importance as part of the clean air action plan for these ports. Dr. Noel Haskab, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach, stated that strategic investments based on this study will facilitate the growing market for these green marine fuels.
This assessment suggests a phased approach instead of recommending immediate large-scale infrastructure investments, utilizing existing facilities and aiding the early adoption of alternative fuels. For methanol, the study indicates that a significant portion of the necessary infrastructure for storage and distribution is already available or can be adapted for marine refueling, which helps reduce initial costs.
New Opportunities for Collaboration
The ports have also been encouraged to pursue fueling pilot projects, offer incentives for early adoption of methanol, and collaborate with regulatory agencies to establish safety requirements and licensing. For LNG, the study recommends relying more on ship-to-ship refueling methods rather than constructing new storage facilities within the ports.
The report also notes that the environmental benefits of alternative marine fuels heavily depend on how they are produced and supplied. LNG and methanol can provide reductions in gas emissions, but their overall impacts on climate can vary significantly based on raw materials, production methods, and fuel supply chains.
Fuel prices, regulatory requirements, and shipping line commitments will ultimately determine the pace of demand development. Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, said, "Reducing emissions from ships is one of the most significant challenges facing our industry. This study provides a clearer picture of the future market and how we can work with our partners to enhance access to clean marine fuels."
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