Zeszyty Naukowe Uniwersytetu Szczecińskiego. Problemy Transportu i Logistyki

The one of the leading priority of the European Union transport policy is a reduction of the external costs of transport. Implementation of the sulphur directive is an example of practical implementation of that priority. Thanks that, a significant reduction of the emissions into atmosphere of sulfur oxides should be achieved. The following technological solutions capable of meeting the directive’s requirements can be pointed out: the use of distillate fuels with reduced sulfur content, introduction of the cleaning systems for exhaust gases (scrubbers) or the implementation of the alternative fuels, including LNG. The LNG is particularly attractive solution because it allows to get the required drop in emissions and similarly to obtain the costs savings in bunkering, especially in the long term. The activity aimed at the improvement of the transport fleet as well as the development of the network of LNG bunkering station has been observed in recent times. Importantly, these initiatives have a broad support from the European Union, therefore further steps towards the implementation of LNG as a marine fuel in the Baltic can be expected. A breakthrough for this process will be year 2015. This is confirmed by a significant increases in the number of orders for ships powered by LNG, as well as new projects of LNG terminals and bunkering stations in the Baltic ports. It could be stated, that “the LNG as the marine fuel” it is not only an attractive political slogan, but also an interesting alternative for the market players.