LNG “Most Viable Option”

In November the pro-LNG lobby group responded to the EU Commission’s new Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP), as representing “a major milestone for the methane decarbonisation pathway.”  The Plan explicitly recognises LNG, bio-methane and e-methane within the clean-fuel mix, noting that ‘LNG, with effective methane-slip mitigation technologies, can also reduce GHG emissions,’ and the trend of ‘ocean-going ships moving towards methane (LNG, bio-methane and in future e-methane).’“In clearly recognising the methane decarbonisation pathway, the STIP reflects long-standing calls for fuel and technology neutrality, ensuring methane, biomethane and e-methane compete on equal terms with other clean fuels.”

While the use of LNG as marine fuel is growing rapidly environmental groups highlight opposes this trend. Campaign body Transport & Environment  (T&E)has long criticised the move to LNG-powered shipping. 

Last year it reaffirmed its position in a statement that asserted: Shipowners that use LNG instead of traditional marine fuels want the public and policymakers to believe that gas is the “best option available today”, because of lower air pollutants and CO2 emissions. “But,” T&E argues, “using LNG brings new – and often worse – climate problem”s, making it a terrible choice for the future. LNG is primarily made up of methane, a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than CO2 in the short term and 30 times worse in the long term. Methane leaks into the atmosphere throughout the LNG production and supply chain and slips directly from the ship’s funnels, contributing to climate warming at a significant pace. The number of LNG-powered ships is increasing at an unprecedented scale and by 2030, a quarter of the energy used by European ships could come from fossil gas. Choosing LNG as a marine fuel goes against the Global Methane Pledge that aims to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030 (compared to methane emissions level in 2020) and is against advice from institutions such as the World Bank.”

However engine makers and the shipping industry are very aware of the methane slip issue and working to mitigate it. Japan’s Kanadevia Corporation, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Yanmar Power Solutions been progressing their Development of Methane Slip Reduction Technology for LNG-Fuelled Vessels through Catalyst and Engine Improvements project. Full-scale demonstration trials began in May 2025 on routes including between Japan and Australia, achieving a methane slip reduction rate of 98%, far exceeding a project target of 70%.

12/12/2025