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The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) - a leading provider of classification services to the marine and offshore industries - has released a report entitled "Bunkering of Liquefied Natural Gas-Fueled Marine Vessels in North America'.

The objective of the report is to provide guidance to potential owners and operators of gas-fuelled vessels, as well as LNG bunkering vessels and facilities, to help them obtain regulatory approval for projects.

"As the potential for LNG fueled vessels in North America continues to grow, uncertainty exists on how to meet various regulatory requirements. It has become very clear to us while conducting this study that the visionary projects teams who properly plan their path to compliance can be successful," said Patrick Janssens, ABS Vice President for Global Gas Solutions.

"This report lays out an integrated approach to addressing the federal, state, provincial and local requirements that may impact LNG bunkering infrastructure. The ABS Global Gas Solutions team is prepared to help stakeholders successfully address each level of regulatory compliance," added Janssens.

The report, developed by ABS and ABS Group, takes a broad look at the requirements of various regulatory bodies including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), US Coast Guard, Transport Canada, US Environmental Protection Agency and the many state and local authorities involved in a bunkering project. Included in the report is a recommended process for meeting those requirements and obtaining approval for the LNG bunkering infrastructure project.

"This is the first comprehensive study of its kind that clearly identifies a path forward for regulatory approval of LNG bunkering practices and infrastructure in North America," remarked Chuck Mitchell, ABS Group Vice President for Global Initiatives. "This report is only one step in the continued development of robust LNG service offerings of ABS and ABS Group. As we learn more from each project, and as regulatory requirements mature, we will continue to update this report in order to provide industry-leading advice to stakeholders in the LNG fuel market."

The report touches on a number of key considerations for any LNG bunkering project, including reviewing potential bunkering options; identifying potential hazards and risks and recommending potential safeguards; presenting state, local and port-specific issues; and summarizing applicable regulations and outlining a process for meeting those requirements and ultimately obtaining project approval.