Researchers at Queen Mary University London have conducted a first-of-its-kind study to directly measure the methane emissions of an operating LNG vessel
The study was conducted with support from industry collaborative Collaboratory to Advance Methane Science (CAMS) and Spanish energy operator Enagas.
Results from the study will provide crucial data into the greenhouse gas profile of LNG carriers to identify opportunities to improve the environmental performance.
Researchers collected comprehensive direct measurements over the course of Cheniere’s chartered newbuild GasLog Galveston’s round-trip voyage from Cheniere’s Corpus Christi liquefaction facility to a discharge port in Europe.
Data gathered during the voyage includes measuring engine exhaust as well as fugitive emissions. CAMS said the results of the study are expected to be released in a peer-reviewed journal.
The lead researcher for the study and lecturer in chemical engineering and renewable energy at Queen Mary University, Dr Paul Balcombe said state policies looking to regulate the industry to meet climate goals will rely on accurate emissions data.
“Accomplishing this will depend on ensuring transparent, emissions-related data is available and lessons learned from studies such as this are implemented,” he said.
GasLog chief operating officer Paolo Enoizi said “We are proud to be a part of the CAMS effort to measure and monitor methane emissions from the GasLog Galveston under real-world operating conditions. As responsible shipowners, we view the efforts undertaken by the CAMS as critical to minimising the environmental footprint of the global LNG shipping fleet and supporting the continued success and competitiveness of the LNG industry.”
“Enagás is intensively working in the detection and quantification of methane within its assets to minimise emissions,” said Enagas gas assets general manager Claudio Rodríguez.
“We believe improving the accuracy of the emissions data along the gas value chain is critical, and this first-of-its-kind study will shed light on methane emissions associated with the logistic supply chain – informing us of our greatest prospects for development.”
CAMS members include Cheniere, Chevron, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Pioneer Natural Resources, Sempra LNG, and Shell. The consortium is administered by GTI, a leading research, development and training organisation.
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