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SEA\LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of LNG as a marine fuel, has added MAN Diesel & Turbo (MAN) to its membership.

In a statement, SEA\LNG said: "As a world-leading provider of large-bore diesel and gas engines and turbomachinery, MAN's technical expertise will augment those of existing SEA\LNG member OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) Wartsila and GTT."

MAN played a pivotal role in the world's first conversion of a container ship's propulsion system from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to LNG. The dual-fuel conversion saw the 1,036-TEU feeder container ship Wes Amelie retrofitted in August 2017 to a multi-fuel, four-stroke unit that enables dual-fuel operation.

In October 2017, MAN pledged a EUR 2m ($2.3m) discount to convert 10 HFO engines into gas engines as part of its drive to find clean solutions for seaborne trade and transportation.

Peter Keller, SEA\LNG chairman and executive vice president, Tote, said: "Combining expertise in infrastructure, finance, regulation, and technical areas are all essential if LNG is going to fulfil its full potential as a marine fuel today and into the future. We welcome the opportunity to leverage MAN's in-depth knowledge of, and extensive understanding in the fields of propulsion as we continue to support the energy transition in shipping."

Dr Uwe Lauber, CEO, MAN Diesel & Turbo, remarked: "SEA\LNG's vision is well aligned with MAN Diesel & Turbo's strategy. In 2016, after COP 21, we launched the initiative 'Maritime Energy Transition' that encapsulates MAN Diesel & Turbo's call to action to reduce emissions and establish natural gas as the preferred fuel of choice in global shipping. SEA\LNG aims to address and overcome current challenges impacting the global uptake of LNG, and MAN Diesel & Turbo is delighted to join forces with other industry leaders to support this work."

SEA\LNG recently voiced its support for the level of ambition outlined by the IMO's Initial Strategy of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 50% by 2050, compared to 2008 levels, and stressed the importance of LNG in supporting its achievement.

"The coalition believes that the decision adopted by the IMO's Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) during its recent 72nd session underlines how essential LNG as a marine fuel is as a commercially viable bridging solution to a zero-emissions shipping industry, while enabling it to comply with the immediate regulatory demands of the IMO 2020 global sulphur cap," SEA\LNG said.