Classification society Korean Register (KR) has announced a partnership with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat (APEC) to promote the use of LNG-fuelled ships within the APEC region.
APEC awarded a contract to KR to investigate the potential of LNG-fuelled vessels to serve the region's maritime trade requirements, as well as the current scenario.
The contract will include a program to share knowledge and best practices across the APEC region, with the aim of promoting new technologies.
KR will lead the APEC-funded project, which is supported by Japanese and Canadian representatives within APEC's Maritime Expert Group and Transport Working Group.
The classification society will undertake an extensive program of research, focusing on the current application of LNG technologies, associated safety aspects, seaborne trade statistics, and best practices.
The results will then be shared with APEC member economies to help narrow the technology gap between countries.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.
