Atmospheric and economic impact of LNG fueled Dredging. The Argentine case

Abstract

This paper takes a 2021 Argentine case to show the atmospheric and economic impacts of using LNG fueled dredgers in the second largest worldwide operation of its kind about to start in Rio de la Plata. From the emissions point of view, LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) would reduce 23%, mainly those (NOx, SOx and PM) affecting the coastal population health. The use of BioLNG would reduce 99% (60,000 Tons/yr), including as well the planetary impact of CO2 . The economic impact is estimated in savings of 14% of Dredging Cost: 665 Million Dollars (MMUsd), over the 15 years of operation. The origin of these savings is 48% Operational (reduced fuel cost) and 52% external cost mainly due to the reduced impact in Public Health Budget.