Development of Operation Technology for STS LNG Bunkering in Korea

Abstract

With "Sulphur Cap" of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations on marine emissions taking effect in 2020, a lot of ships around the world are under new construction or retroit under LNG-powered ships. Korea Government revealed several policies to coform IMO regulation which will start in 'Sulphur Cap' next year and get much strict as time goes by. The "Law to promote Eco-friendly ship" will also be taken effect in 2020. Once the "Law to promote Eco-friendly ship" goes into effect, the government should establish the government-controlled vessels with an eco-friendly fuel unless there is a particular reason. Recently, Korea Government declared ECA(Emission Control Area) for 5 main ports, which will act from September next year. All vessels within the ports designated as ECA must apply its fuel containing Sulphur under 0.1%. More than 140 deteriorated government controlled ships will be converted into eco-friendly ship with the government support by 2030 in order to promote the air quality near the ports. Meanwhile, the government-supported R&D projects have been carried out in order to popping up infrastructures and operation software for LNG bunkering. The KRISO(Ships and Oceans Plant Research Institute) has been developing 500 cbm LNG bunkering vessels that can bunker to LNG fueled ships operating off the country's coast with support from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. The opera