Classification society GL Group has been selected to undertake a study that could lead to European-wide rules being developed for LNG bunkering.
The European Maritime Safety Agency, which tendered for a consultant to carry out the work, held initial meetings with GL last month, an agency spokesman confirmed.
GL has now started on a gap analysis that aims to detail existing standards, guidelines and legislation already put in place by bodies such as the IMO and the Society of International Gas Tanker & Terminal Operators.
It is also tasked with identifying where the European Union could usefully intervene to provide additional regulations that would help the development of the sector going forward. A preliminary report is due to be completed by November, EMSA’s spokesman confirmed.
Discussions with industry stakeholders including shipowners, classification societies and industry bodies are tabled to take place in the same month before a final report is presented in December.
In its original tender documentation, EMSA said the contractor would produce a draft set of EU-wide guidelines to assist the European Commission in deciding if it needs to adopt such standards.
