ABSTRACT: Nowadays, most merchant vessels use Heavy Fuel Oils (HFOs) for the ship propulsion. These fuels are cost effective but they produce significant amounts of noxious emissions. To comply with IMO & MARPOL environmental regulations, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is becoming an interesting option for the merchant ships. The purpose and scope of this paper is to describe the factors to consider when determining LNG & duel fuel new generation marine propulsion technologies implemented in the shipping industry to promote green ships concept and change the view of sea transportation to a more ecological and environment- friendly system. The aim of the research presented in this paper is to analyse the economic upturn that can result from the use of LNG as fuel for merchant ships and to assess the effects of its utilization in terms of environmental impact.

KEYWORDS: MARPOL Convention, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Green Shipping, Green Shipping Technologies, Marine Propulsion, New Generation Marine Propulsion Systems, LNG Duel Fuel, Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)

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