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NGO for gas as marine fuel launched

NGO for gas as marine fuel launched
The Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF) has been established as a Non-Governmental Organisation following a decision to proceed by the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) board at its meeting on 16 May.

“The use of LNG as a marine fuel presents a major challenge for the shipping industry over the coming years,” states Luc Gillet, SIGTTO president. “I am pleased that SIGTTO is playing a leading role in the launch of this new NGO. We believe that our participation will yield benefits for not only the gas shipping industry but also the general maritime community.”

SIGTTO has stated that the decision was prompted by “the absence of any… industry body dealing with the technical and safety issues associated with the use of LNG”, following similar efforts in July 2012 with the industry-spanning Natural Gas Marine Fuel Safety Advisory Group. The group claims that it established SGMF “to encourage the safe and responsible operations of vessels using LNG as fuel and to develop advice and guidance for best industrial practice among its members.”

Andrew Clifton, SIGTTO general manager, said, “This new industry body is a major step forward in the enhancement of safety and best practices covering the use of LNG as marine fuel. All stakeholders are urged to support and join SGMF.”