Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a super-cooled liquid form of natural gas. U.S. LNG imports are projected to increase to 17% of natural gas supplies by 2030, from about 3% today. To meet this increase, energy co¿s. have submitted 32 applications for new terminals. If a terrorist attack on an LNG tanker caused a spill, potential hazards, such as fire, asphyxiation, & explosions, could result. The Dept. of Energy funded a study to conduct small- & large-scale experiments to refine & validate models that calculate how heat from large LNG fires would affect the public. This testimony is based on a recently released report, ¿Maritime Security: Public Safety Consequences of a Terrorist Attack on a Tanker Carrying LNG Need Clarification.¿ Includes recommend.

This report on Removing Barriers to the Use of Natural Gas as Maritime Transportation Fuel is another step in our exploration of the catalytic role of natural gas in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals, and in particular Goal 7 - to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. The report demonstrates the business case for using LNG as a fuel in maritime transport, for both LNG tankers and - increasingly since 2000 - other ships. Currently, there are over 300 ships powered by LNG. This is a positive development in view of the significant environmental benefits of LNG compared to heavy fuel oil and diesel both of which dominate today's market for international shipping bunkers.