The WLPGA’s perspective on the HNS Convention

Posted: 01/10/2019

By: World LPG Association

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is one of the substances included in the scope of the HNS Convention. LPG has an almost zero sulphur content and, because LPG also has outstanding engine fuel properties, is now being chosen as a marine bunker fuel to meet the IMO 2020 regulations. A number of very large gas carriers (VLGC) operators have announced they will use LPG dual fuelled engines as part of their IMO 2020 compliance strategy. The LPG fuel system allows part of the cargo to be used for the vessels’ propulsion. Currently, about 100 million tonnes of LPG are transported by sea on board more than 1 000 vessels including over 250 VLGCs. The development of LPG dual fuelled engines will lead to more LPG being transported in the years to come and the LPG industry, with its focus and track record on safety, is supportive of a speedy enactment of the HNS Convention to ensure that a uniform international regime of liability and compensation is in place for any incident involving hazardous and noxious substances.