The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has taken significant action to enhance the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel by modifying a previous order concerning JAX LNG, a coastal LNG facility located near Jacksonville, Florida. This move removes regulatory barriers, promoting growth in LNG bunkering, a key area for reducing emissions in the maritime industry.
DOE removes LNG marine fuel barriers
The DOE’s revised order now clarifies that its jurisdiction under the Natural Gas Act (NGA) will not apply to ship-to-ship LNG transfers for marine fuel in U.S. or international waters. The modification aims to simplify the regulatory environment and ensure the continued expansion of LNG use in maritime transport, particularly as stringent emissions regulations in the shipping sector increase.
With the rise in LNG-fueled vessels, the number of such ships is expected to nearly double by 2028. The DOE’s decision to facilitate LNG bunkering supports this growth, aligning with global efforts to reduce the maritime industry’s carbon footprint.
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Source: U.S. DOE
