- FUMES 2, led by ICCT, focuses on methane emissions from LNG-powered ships.
- The project aims to deliver comprehensive data on methane slip and fugitive emissions from LNG operations.
- Findings will inform policy developments, especially under the EU FuelEU Maritime regulation and the IMO greenhouse gas fuel standard.
On 12 December 2024, the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) announced the launch of FUMES 2, a two-year research initiative focused on methane emissions from LNG-powered ships. Following the first FUMES study, which quantified methane slip from four-stroke engines, FUMES 2 aims to address critical gaps in understanding methane emissions from LNG engines, carriers, and cargo handling, reports ICCT.
Methane Emissions from LNG Engines
The FUMES 2 project will build on the first study by measuring methane slip from both two-stroke and four-stroke LNG engines. Methane emissions from these engines contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and understanding their real-world performance is essential to assessing their climate impact.
By collecting data from at least five LNG-powered engines, FUMES 2 aims to fill knowledge gaps in methane emissions from different engine types.
Fugitive Methane Emissions from LNG Cargo and Fuel Tanks
FUGITIVE methane emissions from LNG fuel tanks, cargo holds, and loading operations are a significant concern for safety and climate impact. FUMES 2 will conduct onboard measurements of methane emissions from these sources, focusing on at least five voyages.
The goal is to understand the scale of these emissions and their role in overall methane output. It is to contribute to better risk management and policy development.
Drone-Based Methane Emission Monitoring
One of the most innovative approaches of FUMES 2 is the use of drone-based methane emission measurements.
Drones will be deployed to monitor LNG cargo handling operations at least 20 times, capturing data on fugitive emissions that are difficult to measure using conventional methods. This technology offers precise and efficient measurement, providing critical data on emissions hotspots.
Growth of LNG Shipping and Emission Concerns
LNG shipping has grown rapidly, with the global fleet of LNG carriers nearly doubling from 400 ships in 2014 to over 750 today, with 300 more on order.
As LNG becomes a key alternative marine fuel, understanding methane emissions becomes increasingly critical. The FUMES 2 project is timely, as it seeks to assess methane emissions’ full scope amid the rise in LNG shipping.
Role of ICCT and Policy Impact
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has led rigorous research on transport emissions. FUMES 2 builds on this foundation, aiming to provide policymakers with the most comprehensive dataset on methane emissions from LNG ships.
ICCT’s work will contribute to shaping global climate policies, particularly the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation and the IMO’s GHG fuel standards.
Contribution of TNO and Queen Mary University
The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and Queen Mary University of London play crucial roles in FUMES 2, leveraging their expertise in emissions monitoring and marine research.
TNO’s independent research capabilities complement the ICCT’s work, while Queen Mary University’s interdisciplinary approach brings valuable insights into maritime emission assessments.
Explicit ApS and UAV-Based Emission Monitoring
Explicit ApS, a Danish technology firm specializing in emissions monitoring, brings advanced UAV-based measurement techniques to FUMES 2.
These UAVs offer accurate and cost-effective means of monitoring methane emissions, especially in remote or challenging areas, ensuring detailed data collection across various LNG operations.
Methane Emissions and Climate Policy Development
With methane emissions becoming a key focus of international climate policy, the findings from FUMES 2 will have significant implications.
The project’s results will inform the EU’s Emissions Trading System and the IMO’s greenhouse gas fuel standards, particularly as methane emissions are expected to be included in these regulations.
Expected Outcomes and Public Reports
FUMES 2 will produce peer-reviewed publications, public reports, and presentations to share findings with policymakers and the public.
The data collected will inform climate policies and emission reduction strategies, contributing to a more sustainable future for LNG-powered ships.
Post-Project Engagement with Policymakers
Throughout the FUMES 2 project, ICCT will engage with IMO and EU policymakers, ensuring that findings are integrated into regulatory frameworks.
The project’s insights will guide future emissions standards, making maritime shipping more sustainable and reducing methane’s contribution to global warming.
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Source: ICCT
