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SEA/LNG - a multi-sector coalition that aims to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel - has applauded the action taken by the International Maritime Organization at the 70th meeting of its Marine Environment Protection Committee, which confirmed that the global 0.5% cap on the sulphur content of marine fuel will come into force in 2020.

"Certainty of the regulatory regime going forward is important for the maritime industry," SEA/LNG said in a statement.

Speaking for the organisation, Peter Keller, chairman of SEA/LNG, remarked: "In light of MEPC 70's approval of the global sulphur cap in 2020, there is now new impetus to resolve the structural and commercial obstacles hindering the widespread adoption of LNG as marine fuel.

"We anticipate increased and significant investments across the shipping value chain as a result of this decision and the certainty it provides. LNG is an economic, clean and safe marine fuel with increasing global availability, offering ship owners a real opportunity to improve the environmental performance of the industry."

On the issue of product availability, SEA/LNG said: "For those with concerns about the availability of low sulphur fuel, the SEA\LNG coalition has already stated that the LNG sector is well prepared and able to meet the future emissions requirements of the global shipping industry."

The SEA\LNG founding partners are: Carnival Corporation & plc, DNV GL, ENGIE, GE, GTT, Lloyd's Register, Mitsubishi Corporation, NYK Line, Port of Rotterdam, Qatargas, Shell, TOTE Inc. and Wartsila. Since then, Eagle LNG Partners, Keppel Gas Technology and ABS have joined the coalition.