February 4, 2019

From the desk of Capt. Jeff Monroe, MM, AMPE

International Association of Maritime and Port Executives

BIMCO DATA ON US PORT VOLUMES RELEASED

Both the US West Coast (USWC) and US East Coast (USEC) experienced high levels of growth during 2018 according to BIMCO. US West Coast container imports grew 8% during the period with US East Coast container imports growing 3.7%. Inbound loads exceeded 2 million TEU’s, 1.09 million on the West Coast and 0.91 million on the East Coast. The Ports of New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Virginia and Charleston set record volumes during periods in 2018.

Frontloading due to trade tariff uncertainty saw rapid shifts in volumes in some East Coast ports during the first part of 2018. Volumes started off at an 11.7% increase over 2017 but dropped off to a near consistent 4% growth overall for the remainder of the year. The frontloading is unlikely to continue in 2019 given uncertainty over the China-US trade talks. Failure to reach resolution could see new tariffs and levels introduced in March 2019. (Bimco.com)

LNG FUELING STUDY RELEASED

A new study regarding LNG vessel fuel has been released by the Imperial College of London and the Sustainable Gas Institute. The study found that LNG bunkering “offers a slight reduction or an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to heavy fuel oil, depending upon engine design and other factors.”

LNG's average greenhouse gas emissions are slightly lower than those of Heavy Fuel Oil. The study reported emissions as "six percent lower on average and ten percent lower when comparing lowest estimates." The authors also stated however, "at worst, natural gas fueled ships may have lifecycle emissions exceeding current incumbent . . . heavy fuel oil ships." Use of LNG can reduce on-board CO2 emissions by as much as 30 percent. The study also noted the entire production of LNG fuels including gas production, liquefaction, transport and use of LNG as a marine fuel incorporates additional emissions which reduce the net climate benefit.

LNG-fueled engines release a small amount of unburned gas with their exhaust based on the type and design of the system. The unburned gas is referred to as Methane Slip. Methane, which is the primary exhausted gas that remains unburned, is estimated to be 30 times more potent than CO2 emissions. According to the study, “LNG-fueled vessels using low pressure dual fuel (LPDF) or lean burn spark ignited (LBSI) engines are the most likely to have higher greenhouse gas emissions than HFO-fueled vessels, due to these engines' tendency to have higher rates of methane slip.”

The study concluded that it "appears difficult" to reach the IMO greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target of 50 percent by 2050 using ship efficiency improvements and LNG alone, though a 35 percent improvement may be achievable. "Deeper decarburization appears possible if a lower emissions ship technology such as hydrogen fuel cell ships becomes available in the period from 2040 and 2050." The study’s authors also noted that their study and its findings “do not detract from the many other benefits of LNG as a marine fuel - like its low cost per unit of energy and its very low emissions of NOx, SOx and PM.” The study noted that since “LNG is the primary alternative option that is immediately available at scale, these other emissions benefits make it an attractive option in the medium term.” (sustainablegasinstitute.org)

2019 Schedule-Accredited Educational Programs

Seminar Locations and Dates Subject to Change - Participants will be notified well in advance. Rates are modestly going up in 2019 (MPM $100, MPE $100=Total $200 increase). If you register for a program by December 31, the old rates will apply.

To register for seminars, or additional information contact: info@iampe.org

MPM/IMPM- 16 Hour Maritime Port Manager Program MPE/IMPE- 36 Hour Maritime Port Executive Program Continuing Education-16 Hour Program -Accredited Marine Port Executive Certification

MTO- 16 Hour Marine Terminal Operator-Custom Sponsored and Scheduled

IAMPE may cancel or reschedule seminars if registrations are below minimum levels

“For A World Connected By Water”

The IAMPE is a Not-For Profit Professional Development and Certification Association.

Capt. Jeffrey W. Monroe, MM, MTM, AMPE Director: Education, Standards and Training Programs International Association of Maritime and Port Executives 11 Katahdin Road. Portland, ME 04107-2828 USA Phone: (207) 741-7000, Cell: (207) 615-7989

jeffrey.monroe@iampe.org

https://www.iampe.org