SGMF Assessment Reports LNG Reduces Marine GHG Emissions by Up to 29%

**TL;DR** A recent study from SGMF, the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel, reveals that liquefied natural gas (LNG) can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships by as much as 29% compared to marine gas oil (MGO 0.1%). This finding provides new data for the maritime industry's decarbonization efforts.

Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) evaluate the environmental impact of a product from raw material extraction to disposal. For marine fuels, this includes 'well-to-wake' emissions, covering everything from fuel production and delivery (well-to-tank) to its use on board a vessel (tank-to-wake).

SGMF, a non-governmental organization, conducts independent LCAs for marine fuels. Its latest report, published by SGMF, is critically peer-reviewed by industry experts and academics. This assessment considers various engine types, including medium-speed 4-stroke and low-speed 2-stroke engines, and multiple fuel supply pathways. It quantifies greenhouse gas emissions across the entire fuel lifecycle, reflecting current technological advancements.

The study specifically concludes that using LNG as a marine fuel can reduce 'tank-to-wake' greenhouse gas emissions by up to 29% when compared to marine gas oil (MGO 0.1%). Tank-to-wake refers to emissions produced during the combustion of fuel on board a ship. This reduction contributes to overall 'well-to-wake' greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 25% when compared to the initial LNG LCA in 2019, reflecting upstream and downstream improvements.

Mark Bell, Managing Director of SGMF, stated that shipowners require independent, fact-based 'well-to-wake' data for all fuels. This data enables informed decisions that actively reduce emissions across the maritime industry. Emma Scheiris, Deputy Director-Environment at INTERTANKO, reinforced this need, stating that independent and transparent life cycle assessments are vital for tanker owners and operators. These assessments support consistent well-to-wake principles across fuels and aid in evaluating decarbonization strategies.

The maritime sector faces pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Updated LCAs, like SGMF's, provide essential data for fuel pathway decisions. These studies capture the fast pace of development in alternative marine fuels, ensuring the latest technological advances are reflected.

SGMF plans to publish its first LCA on methanol as a marine fuel in mid-2026, following its 2024 report on ammonia. These upcoming assessments will further expand the industry's understanding of different fuel options. Industry stakeholders will closely watch how these continued independent analyses shape future investment and operational strategies for global shipping.