A new testing centre for the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has been opened in the Netherlands by Norwegian firm DNV GL.
The site in Groningen is aimed at helping operators make safer and more efficient use of the substance.
DNV GL says the facility can hold up to 250kg of LNG and can precisely regulate its temperature.
It is also fitted with sensor technology – a gas chromatograph – which can analyse the composition within a second – a process which normally takes 3-5 minutes.
The company says this will help improve price transparency in bunkering – when the gas is stored in a tank – which has traditionally relied on mass alone.
Engine developers will also be able to study the impact of changing the composition of the LNG for different ignition patterns.
Ben Oudman, regional manager for continental Europe, Eurasia, Middle East, India and Africa, said: “The 2017 DNV GL Energy Transition Outlook report predicts that LNG and LPG will account for 32% of total shipping energy use in terms of technology and fuel uptake, so I believe DNV GL’s continuing investment in facilities, recommended practices and online tools is timely and builds on our established expertise in downstream LNG.
“Our aim is to support the industry adoption of LNG in an efficient, reliable and safe way.”