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DNV's new report, "Greener Shipping in North America", says that liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the most efficient and economical way to meet new air emissions requirements in the US and Canada, which take effect in August 2012.

Environmental Control Areas (ECA) will gradually be enforced along the North American coastlines. They will come into full force in 2015 and 2016, leaving shipowners a limited number of options in order to continue trading in North America.

Kenneth Vareide [pictured], director of operations for DNV North America Maritime, commented: "Domestic ships in North America have three options to meet new emissions control regulations; install scrubbers, burn low sulphur fuel or switch to LNG fuel for the ship's propulsion."

Commenting on the potential cost savings of adopting the use of LNG, Vareide said: "A LNG fuelled propulsion plant may add about $3.6 million to the cost of a typical domestic cargoship, however, over the operating life of the vessel, at today's gas rates, LNG fuel would save more than $4 million over scrubbers and $12 million for low sulphur fuel."

DNV estimates that the use of LNG fuel on a ship would reduce nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions by 85-90 percent, sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter by almost 100 percent, and would result in 15-20 percent less greenhouse gas emissions.

DNV's report is the first study of US and Canadian domestic shipping and recommendations to meet new environmental legislation for North America. The report says that implementing LNG fuel on a significant portion of the fleet is the best and most cost-efficient solution for reducing environmental emissions in North America.

"LNG is particularly an attractive alternative for vessels with a fixed trading pattern, which should fit well with the biggest segments; ferries, offshore support vessels and tug/push boats. Besides, much of the coastal trade in the US is fixed in its trade pattern and we have been in contact with several companies that are considering LNG for newbuildings and conversions," said Vareide.

The new DNV report covers:

* North American shipping statistics
* New environmental legislation for ship emissions in North America
* LNG's economic performance
* LNG's environmental performance
* LNG technology
* LNG safety
* LNG availability

To view the report, please visit the following address:

www.dnv.com/resources/reports/