LNG Bunkering

SEALNG: Norway’s domestic carbon tax on LNG ‘unhelpful’

Tax likely lead to an increase in emissions of climate gases, NOX, sulphur and particulate matter.

Published

8 years ago

May 3, 2018

Admin

The following is a press release from SEALNG:

SEALNG urges Norway to support and participate in internationally-coordinated policies to reduce shipping-related CO2 emissions, such as the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) development of an international regulatory regime for GHG abatement, which may make use of various policy instruments.

Norway has a leading role to play in such work – and the adoption of final proposals – that enables utilisation of LNG’s emissions and air quality benefits immediately, while other fuel technologies are developed or become more viable. In contrast, a unilateral, domestic CO2 tax on LNG represents a significantly unhelpful step in many respects.

It risks separating Norway from playing a full, leading and profitable role in efforts such as those referred to above – something to be avoided. In any event, the usefulness of such a measure at this time is doubtful. Emissions reductions is a key driver behind the tax; while we clearly support such an aim, a CO2 tax outside a wider framework could lead to unintended consequences.

It acts as a disincentive for the uptake of an available and low CO2 fuel such as LNG now, as well as future investment in LNG-fuelled ships. As such, the tax will likely lead to an increase in emissions of climate gases, NOX, sulphur and particulate matter. This is a view supported by a recent DNV GL study [1].

The unilateral tax approach also risks Norway’s status as a world leader in the development of LNG shipping technology. It increases the risk of stranding previous LNG infrastructure investment, as well as reducing future market opportunities for Norwegian shipyards, equipment suppliers and producers.

Finally, the tax may create some degree of incentive for vessels to bunker abroad. In doing so, they would avoid paying the tax, in which case it is difficult to see how there would be an increase in state revenues.

It is for these reasons that SEALNG urges Norway to reconsider its policy approach in favour of a more multilaterally-coordinated approach.

[1] “Analyse av konsekvenser ved opphevelse av fritak for CO2-avgift på LNG“. Rapport nr. 2018 – 0253, rev.0

Photo credit: SEALNG
Published: 3 May, 2018

LNG Bunkering

Singapore-based EPS takes delivery of three LNG dual-fuel bulk carriers

Three vessels are the third, fourth and fifth in the company’s series of 14 Newcastlemaxes being built at the yard, and were delivered five months ahead of their contracted delivery dates.

Published

19 hours ago

September 7, 2026

Admin

Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) on Friday (4 September) announced the naming and delivery of three new LNG dual-fuel Newcastlemax bulk carriers from China’s Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding.

Cyril Ducau, CEO of EPS, said the vessels were named Mount Victoria, Mount Yulong and Mount Wuyi.

The three vessels are the third, fourth and fifth in the company’s series of 14 Newcastlemaxes being built at the yard, and were delivered five months ahead of their contracted delivery dates.

“A big thank you to CSSC Group and Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, working alongside our EPS team, for the tremendous collaboration and commitment behind this achievement,” Ducau said in a social media post.

Photo credit: Eastern Pacific Shipping
Published: 7 September, 2026

LNG Bunkering

LR awards AiP to CSSC Huangpu Wenchong for 12,500 m³ LNG bunker vessel design

Vessel design incorporates Type C LNG cargo tanks and has been evaluated against a range of class notations covering gas operations, automation, environmental performance and cyber resilience.

Published

20 hours ago

September 7, 2026

Admin

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Thursday (3 September) said it has awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for a new 12,500 m³ LNG bunkering vessel design.

The AiP was signed at SMM 2026 in Hamburg and confirms that the vessel concept has successfully completed an independent design assessment against LR’s latest classification requirements.

The new 12,500 m³ vessel design incorporates Type C LNG cargo tanks and has been evaluated against a comprehensive range of class notations covering gas operations, automation, environmental performance and cyber resilience.

LR’s assessment was carried out in accordance with its Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships and Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Ships for the Carriage of Liquefied Gas in Bulk.

Constantinos Chaelis, LR’s Global Gas Segment Director, said: “This project demonstrates the continued market confidence in LNG and the importance of building the supporting infrastructure that enables owners to make practical emissions reductions today, while maintaining flexibility for the future. Through early engagement between shipyard and class, we can accelerate the delivery of robust designs that meet both operational and regulatory requirements.”

A Huangpu Wenchong spokesperson, said: “This Approval in Principle from Lloyd’s Register validates the technical approach and provides a strong foundation for future development. We believe vessels of this type will play an increasingly important role in supporting the energy transition by helping ensure LNG is available where shipowners need it most.”

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 7 September, 2026

Alternative Fuels

Yang Ming orders six LNG dual-fuel, ammonia-ready containerships from Hanwha Ocean

Each of the six new vessels will have a capacity of up to 13,650 TEU and feature LNG dual-fuel propulsion and Ammonia Fuel Ready specifications.

Published

4 days ago

September 4, 2026

Admin

Yang Ming orders six LNG dual-fuel, ammonia-ready containerships from Hanwha Ocean

Taiwanese shipping firm Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) and South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean on Wednesday (2 September) signed a shipbuilding contract for six 13,000 TEU class LNG dual-fuel container vessels.

The contract was signed by Dr. Chuck Tsai, Chairman of Yang Ming, and Mr. Charles Kim, CEO of Hanwha Ocean. The vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029.

They will complement Yang Ming’s existing fleet of 10,000+ TEU vessels and serve as key vessels on East-West services, with deployment flexibility across trade lanes connecting Asia with the East and West Coasts of North America, South America, and the Mediterranean.

Each of the six new vessels will have a capacity of up to 13,650 TEU and feature LNG dual-fuel propulsion and Ammonia Fuel Ready specifications.

“As Yang Ming transitions toward net-zero emissions, LNG provides a relatively mature and economically viable alternative fuel solution, capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20%,” the company said.

“At the same time, ammonia can serve as a carbon-free fuel by utilising converted LNG storage facilities, while offering relatively lower conversion costs and comparatively well-developed supply chains and infrastructure. The Ammonia Fuel Ready design will therefore provide Yang Ming with greater flexibility in responding to increasingly stringent international regulations on greenhouse gas emissions.”

In addition, the vessels will be equipped with Type B LNG fuel tanks with a design pressure of 1.0 bar to enhance the safety and efficiency of LNG operations, together with a range of energy-saving technologies, including Wind Shields, Rudder Bulbs, Pre-Swirl Stators, and Shore Power Systems. Smart ship technologies and cybersecurity protection features will also be incorporated to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and reliability while effectively reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Deliveries under Yang Ming’s next-generation fleet optimization plan commenced earlier this year. By 2030, a total of 24 new vessels are expected to enter service.

This includes 18 LNG dual-fuel vessels—comprising five 15,500 TEU, seven 16,000 TEU, and the six 13,000 TEU vessels under this contract—alongside six 8,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel-ready ships.

Photo credit: Yang Ming Marine Transport
Published: 4 September, 2026