Multi-physics, multi-scale modelling of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in marine shipping and heavy-duty trucking: transport, storage, spill, and atmospheric dispersion

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The greenhouse gases produced by Canada's trucking and marine shipping industries can be reduced by using alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG is a cryogenic fuel, so it must be carefully stored, transported, and dispensed to minimize the release of methane vapour to the environment. If LNG systems fail and fuel is spilled, environmental and safety consequences may result. Ship structural components may fail due to thermal stresses caused by the spilled LNG's extremely low temperature. Moreover, the resulting methane vapour has high climate impact and is flammable. To help develop LNG as a safe and clean alternative fuel for marine shipping and heavy-duty trucking, a deeper understanding of how LNG behaves in real industrial systems is required. The proposed research project will develop a suite of computer-based modelling tools in collaboration with Westport Fuel Systems, Fortis BC, BC Ferries, and the Port of Vancouver. The tools will be used to evaluate the behaviour of LNG during storage and transport in trucks and ships, to ensure the integrity and safety of ship structural components following LNG spills, and to predict the atmospheric dispersal of methane gas following venting or spill of LNG. Ultimately, the research will assist in safely transitioning Canada's trucking and marine shipping industries to lower-carbon fuels for significant carbon reductions and cost savings.