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The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has selected Det Norke Veritas (DNV) to gather information about the potential of LNG-powered international shipping in the North American Emission Control Area (ECA) and to identify the necessary conditions for the successful implementation of LNG as a fuel source in the region.

Commenting on the issue of LNG, DNV said: "Natural gas is a widely available fuel across North America, but availability of LNG is limited, as the demand and supply side are waiting for each other, partly held up by logistical problems. The big investment decisions that have to be made related to LNG as a fuel are not made easier by the uncertainty and guesswork currently surrounding the feasibility of LNG as a fuel."

Tony Teo, DNV’s Technology and Business Director in the US, remarked: "In developing LNG as an alternative fuel for short sea shipping, we foresee significant market opportunities for manufacturers, ship designers, and yards with focus on LNG technology. DNV's involvement in research and innovation in LNG supply, storage, engines and emission issues has demonstrated that ship safety, market mechanisms, and operational regularity can be maintained when operating ships on LNG. But there are many variables and risks that have to be assessed and managed first, and we hope this study will contribute to this."

To provide actionable intelligence and insight, DNV has identified a number of topics that it says will have to be addressed as part of the feasibility study. These topics have been listed below.

- Key trends for international shipping services in the North American ECA.
- Ship types and routes.
- Current and planned LNG infrastructure.
- Mapping the regulatory regime.
- Environmental benefits.
- Assessment of technology readiness.
- Key enablers.

The report will be delivered to the IMO in October, DNV said.