150 LNG professionals come to London

"This conference is an invaluable platform for networking, forging connections and interacting with specialists across the LNG maritime value chain". So said a leading LNG operator attending our LNG Shipping & Terminals Conference in London. Attendees gained access to crucial technical knowledge, operational best practices, regulatory analyses and commercial insights from experts at the forefront of the LNG sector.

Some 150 attendees spanning senior management at shipping companies, oil and gas firms, shipyards, equipment manufacturers, port and terminal authorities and other stakeholders converged in London to update their industry knowledge, clarify technical concerns and sharpen commercial strategies in the fast-evolving LNG shipping marketplace. This year’s exhibition was sold out and complemented by short, sharp and often entertaining lightening talks from the exhibitors which were embedded into the conference programme ahead of the networking breaks.

The varied conference programme included a mix of presentations, case studies, lightning talks, roundtable discussions and panel sessions.

The fluctuating spot market for LNG shipping was at the forefront of discussions, including rate forecasting for the Atlantic and Pacific basins. Key trading routes and vessel types driving LNG bunkering growth were discussed. Panellists provided perspectives on securing long-term offtake agreements, hedging fuel supply risks, and navigating charterer-owner dynamics given energy market volatility. Opportunities for LNG stakeholders to participate in the emerging CO2 shipping value chain were also explored, including potential supply-demand gaps and infrastructure requirements.

There were detailed discussions around ship-to-ship compatibility challenges and solutions for LNG bunkering, especially for cruise ships. The importance of cooperation between all stakeholders for developing standardisation was emphasised. Experts provided updates on technologies for monitoring and reducing methane emissions from LNG shipping to comply with upcoming regulations. Pilot projects using drones, surveys and emissions monitoring systems were showcased. The pros and cons of different alternative marine fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and bio-LNG were discussed in depth, including key technical and infrastructure challenges. LNG was positioned as an effective bridging fuel.

Leading third-party managers and operators shared recommendations and lessons learned for enhancing FSRU capabilities based on extensive project experience. Emphasis was placed on factors like mooring line management, tug redundancy, fender inspections and crew training. Safety incidents and near misses were reviewed to highlight key operational risks and mitigation strategies relating to fender placement, emergency planning, rollover prevention, and more.

Updates were provided on upcoming emissions regulations like EU ETS and their impact on LNG shipping costs and route/fuel selection. Carbon pricing mechanisms were discussed. Presenters delved into new IMO requirements for reducing black carbon emissions and their potential interactions with methane reduction strategies while cybersecurity regulations like the NIS directive for protecting critical port infrastructure and FSRUs were explained, along with recommendations for cost-effective compliance.

Riviera’s LNG Shipping & Terminals Conference will return to London in November 2024. We will also host a number of CCS and CO2 Shipping conferences in 2024 - which will be of interest to LNG companies seeking to capitalise on the fast developing CO2 shipping industry. The full programme of upcoming events can be found here.