GROWTH OF LNG: THE IMPACT ON PORT EXPANSION

Session Overview

Panelists: Sharon Beemer, Independent Board Member, BWC Terminals; Paal Thorsen, Strategic Marketing and Customer Relationship Director, DNV; Jonathan Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Navergy Infrastructure Partners; Krishna Achuthanandam, Shell Downstream LNG, Shell

Amid global decarbonization efforts, demand for LNG as a marine fuel has grown significantly, with its expected lifespan extending longer than originally anticipated. However, LNG bunkering infrastructure continues to lag across ports, creating a widening gap between demand and supply capability.

This gap is expected to grow over the next five years, with implications for port competitiveness and vessel routing decisions. Ports that invest in LNG infrastructure may gain a strategic advantage in attracting traffic and supporting evolving fuel requirements.

This panel explores the challenges and potential solutions for LNG expansion both at ports and onboard vessels, including yard space constraints, safety considerations, redundancy and backup systems, workforce training, and integration with shore power and broader energy systems.