LNG-Fuelled Engines and Fuel Systems for Medium-Speed Engines in Maritime Applications

The maritime transportation sector is facing new international restrictions on exhaust emissions. NOx and SOx emissions from traditional marine fuels are a major challenge, which make natural gas a promising new clean alternative. Since the late 1980s, new concepts for medium-speed natural gas-fuelled engines have been developed, primarily for stationary power generation. This technology is currently entering the mobile sector, where Spark Ignition engines, Dual-Fuel engines and High Pressure Gas engines offer advantages such as high efficiency, low emissions and fuel flexibility. The availability of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is increasing, not least via small-scale distribution systems. In Norway, 23 coastal traffic vessels operate on LNG supplied by a distribution system that also supplies city bus fleets. This paper discusses the development of natural gas engines and fuel system technology, and describes experiences from LNG-fuelled ships in operation in Norway.