EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT OF LNG BUNKERING AND ITS INFRASTRUCTURE

Author

Do Hyun Oh, University of Rhode IslandFollow

Date of Award

2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Marine Affairs

Specialization

Environmental Justice

Department

Marine Affairs

First Advisor

Elizabeth Mendenhall

Abstract

The shipping industry accounts for 33% of all trade-related emissions from fossil fuel combustion, so the need for alternative fuels is inevitable. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is a promising option due to its environmental benefits and the accessibility of supply chains and infrastructure. But LNG bunkering infrastructure will need to be developed. Existing research about LNG bunkering mostly focuses on the industrial, technical, or economic side, ignoring social and justice issues. Equitable development is especially under-analyzed in the context of fuel supply infrastructure. This thesis will analyze selected global port master plans and conduct expert interviews using a model that comprises four dimensions of equity, examining whether the plans consider equitable development of LNG bunkering infrastructure, and how to promote equitable development in the current social, economic, and political context. The findings from both the analysis of port master plans and expert interviews reveal a lack of equity aspects, with discrepancies observed between the two analyses. Challenges such as environmental limitations of LNG, economic factors such as infrastructure shortages, and political differences hinder progress, but collaborative efforts are expected to address these issues and pursue equitable development in the future.

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Oh, Do Hyun, "EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT OF LNG BUNKERING AND ITS INFRASTRUCTURE" (2024). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2490.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2490