GTL to reduce the environmental impact of inland navigation

Gas-to-Liquid, or GTL, is a synthetic fuel made from natural gas. The gas is processed into a liquid fuel with large and regular molecules, which allows a better combustion of the product.

GTL fuel benefits from a high cetane index and a better calorific value than standard diesel made from crude oil. It also contains no sulphur, metals or aromatics. Its use significantly reduces air pollutant emissions: CO2, nitrogen oxides and particulates.

These benefits vary according to the engine used. A study conducted in 2013 in the Netherlands by SGS Environmental Services, on two 110 and 130 metre vessels fitted with Caterpillar engines, showed that the use of GTL reduced nitrogen oxide emissions by 8 to 13% compared with conventional gasoil. For particulates, the measured differential is -16 to -60%; it is less significant for CO2 (up to -11%). Life-cycle studies carried out by the producer (taking the GTL manufacturing process into account) show that the CO2 emissions of GTL are comparable to those of diesel from conventional refining.

Unlike diesel, GTL is clear; it produces neither smoke nor smell, which makes it particularly suitable for urban and passenger transport. Its more uniform combustion has other benefits: it reduces noise emissions in some engines (up to 8 dB) and reduces fouling.

GTL is also a safe product. Its higher flash point makes it an easy fuel to handle and store. The absence of aromatics also means that GTL is not harmful when inhaled, that it presents less risk of skin or eye irritation than diesel, and that it does not cause significant organ damage from prolonged or repeated exposure. It is classified as “readily biodegradable”. It is not dangerous for fauna and flora according to the REACH regulation.

Its physical characteristics are close to those of diesel, so it replaces non-road diesel without any problem, without additional investment and without taking up space on board. Using GTL means the inland waterway sector does not have to wait for the new regulation on non-road mobile machinery, which only concerns new engines and new builds, to improve its environmental footprint.

The sector can, from now on, enjoy the benefits of GTL to improve its ecological impact.