The 3rd Life Cycle GHG Emission Study on the Use of LNG as a Marine Fuel revisits its initial research in 2019, and its update in 2021, using the latest engine and supply chain data.

In addition to global fossil LNG supply chains, this study also evaluates different biogenic and synthetic LNG supply chains for various ship engine technologies. Results are provided following ISO 14040/44, 2024 IMO LCA Guidelines, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation as well as the MMMCZCS LCA Methodology.

The study, commissioned by the industry organization SGMF, was conducted by Sphera according to ISO 14040/44 standards and was critically reviewed in accordance with ISO 14071:2024 by a panel of independent experts.

“Shipowners making decisions on future fuel pathways must rely on independent, fact based full Well-to-Wake data of all the fuels, ensuring decision making that contributes to reducing the overall emission levels in the maritime industry. That is why, as an organization, we place high value on rigorous independent studies to support our members and contribute to the safe and sustainable decarbonization of the maritime industry”.

Mark Bell, Managing Director of SGMF

Using fossil LNG reduces Well-to-Wake (WtW) GHG emissions by 16 to 25% for 2-stroke slow speed engines and by 11% for 4-stroke medium-speed engines compared to engines using oil-based fuels. The study includes fugitive methane emissions from the supply chains as well as during the onboard combustion process (i.e., methane slip).

Additional reductions are possible in LNG is provided from biogenic or synthetic sources. Biogenic LNG from anaerobically biodegrading waste can reduce WtW by up 80% without carbon capture and storage, and by over 110% if the CO2 produced during biodegradation is captured and stored.

Synthetic LNG produced from clean hydrogen and CO2 captured from the atmosphere or biogenic point sources can reduce WtW GHG emissions by up to 80% compared to oil-based fuels.

However, achieving these potential reductions with biogenic or synthetic LNG will depend on the availability of feedstocks, renewable electricity, and infrastructure.

Download the Study

Circles-1 (1)

About SGMF

SGMF was established in 2013 with a pioneering vision to become the only organisation of its kind dedicated to promoting safety and industry best practice in the use of gas as a marine fuel. In 2018, SGMF expanded its remit and became a trusted voice at the International Maritime Organization. Today, SGMF embraces all low flashpoint fuels covered by the IGF Code, strengthening its cross-sector impact while reinforcing its position as the maritime industry’s cornerstone for dependable, fact-based information.

www.sgmf.info

Latest insights from Sphera

When a Topic is Material, Not Everything is: Datapoint-Level Materiality Explained

When a Topic is Material, Not Everything is: Datapoint-Level Materiality Explained

Material topic ≠ report everything. Learn how to apply datapoint-level materiality under ESRS to prioritize decision-useful data and…
April 29, 2026
Why supplier scores are no longer enough

Why supplier scores are no longer enough

Beyond EcoVadis: Why supplier scores aren't enough for 2026 resilience. Move from static ratings to real-time N-tier visibility…
April 27, 2026
Five Ways to Keep Data Optimized for AI

Five Ways to Keep Data Optimized for AI

Master supply chain risk management with Sphera. Move from fragmented data to AI-driven intelligence for proactive ESG compliance…
April 24, 2026