South Korea is launching a project to develop its liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering technology amid anticipated growth in demand for LNG as marine fuel stemming from the more stringent environmental regulations entering into force in 2020.
The country’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) said that the two-year project will include an investment of KRW 3 billion this year. About 50 experts from the field are expected to take part in the project, which will be led by the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering
and the Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute.
The ministry said that the LNG bunkering is a relatively young industry and that South Korea aims to assume a leading role in the sector.
The project will explore development of customized LNG bunkering system for ships along Korean coast, Ulsan and Busan being primary locations for the bunkering facilities.
To that end, the country also plans to order its first LNG-powered ships by August 2018, Yonhap
—-World Maritime News
