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PROSPECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE USE OF LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS AS BUNKER FUEL IN THE ARCTIC REGION OF RUSSIA

Elena Katysheva

Abstract

At the present day, requirements to the quality of marine fuel and to the volumes of air pollutant emissions become stricter for shipping in the Arctic Region. This article states that one of the most important ways to follow the emission limits is switching the ice-rated vessels to liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel. As compared with oil fuels, LNG has the superior calorific value and the best physical characteristic. It is noted that Russia has a number of opportunities to apply LNG both for supply of water and surface transport in the Arctic Region, and for supply of onshore settlements and enterprises. Today, the Arctic Region of Russia is a fast-developing industrial region where new large mining and industrial clusters evolve. New industrial projects in the Arctic Region gave rise to transportation load along the Northern Sea Route. The following advantages of the Northern Sea Route can be mentioned: no piracy in the region, cutting time for cargo transport, ship bunkering with natural gas from onshore or offshore fields. However, increased cargo carriage volume along the Northern Sea Route will worsen negative impact on the environment by the ships delivering materials and equipment and removing finished products. It is noted that the use of gas as fuel will decrease air pollutant emissions. Furthermore, shift to LNG as bunker fuel will resolve a major environmental problem of accidental spillage of marine fuel and crude oil. The article states that LNG is a reliable and competitive fuel for shipping in the Arctic Region.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgem2017h/15/s06.053

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