On the Water

The LPG for marine use is a major opportunity for the LPG  industry and it constitutes a credible alternative to the conventional fuels gasoline, diesel and heavier alternatives. Emissions regulations today dictate the use of low sulfur fuels and alternative fuels like LPG are a viable choice being comparably almost all sulfur free. There are many questions about the cost of low sulfur diesel and the higher costs of low sulfur diesel could make the use of alternatives a reality much sooner. 

In larger ships, substantial emission benefits can be obtained, especially with regard to SOx, PM and CO2. NOx emission reductions and IMO Tier 3 targets can be achieved if LPG operation is combined with either an SCR or EGR system. Additionally, LPG sulphur levels are naturally minimal. The use of LPG as a marine fuel can play a significant role in certain sectors including small tankers, container vessels and ro-ro ships that operate in coastal areas and on inland waterways.

The are many other advantages related to the use of LPG as a marine fuel and especially for small boat engines:

•      It is more reliable for occasional used equipment as are often the outboard engines

•      It reduces VOC evaporative emissions/ a new requirement in commercial ports around the world

•      It meets local/regional/global emissions standards for inland water ways lakes rivers

•      It is not a marine pollutant

•      It has lower lifecycle costs - lower cost of ownership

•      It minimizes maintenance costs

•      It eliminates ethanol problems

•      It meets worldwide emissions standards/IMO (International Maritime Organization) requirements