SEA\LNG, a multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF).
According to SEA\LNG, the MOU creates a framework for how the two complementary organizations will work together to achieve their common goal of making LNG the fuel of choice for the shipping industry.
Launched in July 2016, SEA\LNG was established to break down the commercial barriers to the uptake of LNG as a marine fuel, while since its inception in October 2013, SGMF has concentrated on safety, operational and technical aspects in the development of natural gas as a sustainable marine fuel.
“Through our work on the safety and technical aspects of LNG, SGMF remains wholly focused on promoting safe and responsible operations for gas-fueled ships,” says Mark Bell, general manager and chief operations officer for SGMF. “The 100+ members of SGMF represent the whole value chain, from supply to end use, and our focus remains on safety, technical, contractual, training and competence, environment, and gas as fuel industry information.”
He continues, “SGMF does not cover the commercial aspect, and therefore, it will be beneficial to leverage the work of SEA\LNG on this issue. Together, our combined parallel efforts will best serve our respective members and the overall LNG value chain.”
Peter Keller, SEA\LNG chairman and executive vice president, says, “SEA\LNG and SGMF have separate but complementary missions, and we are both wholly committed to the development of natural gas as a marine fuel. This MOU will ensure that our efforts are concentrated on defined areas, enabling us to support each other successfully and ultimately providing the confidence and demand required for an effective, efficient and safe global marine LNG value chain by 2020.”
The two organizations have pledged to support each other by sharing knowledge, data and information from their own areas of responsibility that will be of benefit to each other’s members.
Part of SEA\LNG’s remit is to educate investors and other key stakeholders in the marine transportation value chain. SGMF, through its governance, continues to develop guidelines and best practice with publications, guidance notices, industry statistics and studies.
