US firm Pivotal LNG said it has recently completed the first delivery of bio-LNG to compatriot Harvey Gulf International Marine’s platform supply vessel.
The vessel operates exclusively on LNG and battery power, with diesel fuel as a backup, making it the “first carbon-neutral PSV worldwide,” according to a Pivotal LNG statement.
In February, privately-owned firm Harvey Gulf said it had begun to operate one of its PSVs exclusively on a bio-LNG blend and battery power.
The shipowner led by Shane Guidry has five LNG-powered PSV’s, with diesel fuel as back up, and is adding battery power to all of them.
Pivotal LNG said the bio-LNG or renewable LNG delivered to the PSV utilizes “negative-carbon-intensity biomethane sourced from swine waste supplied by Element Markets.”
Also, Pivotal LNG sourced the fuel from its LNG production facility located in Trussville, Alabama.
The firm has the same delivery capability from JAX LNG, its facility in Jacksonville, Florida, but also from its LNG facility in Towanda, Pennsylvania.
Renewable natural gas (RNG) is compatible with existing natural gas infrastructure, providing a “practical and replicable source of energy that mitigates carbon emissions,” Pivotal LNG said.
“RLNG is a clear pathway to net zero emissions for the marine industry both as a direct fuel source for maritime vessels and as a transportable source to displace traditional fuel usage in other sectors, including road transportation, power generation, rail, and aerospace,” it said.