A Study on the Estimation of Facilities in LNG Bunkering Terminal by Simulation—Busan Port Case

Since 2020, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has tightened regulations on the emissions of sulfur oxides from ships from less than 3.5% to less than 0.5%. As a countermeasure, shipping companies can adopt one of three potential solutions: using low sulfur fuel (LSFO), installing scrubbers, or using liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel. However, considering the environmental aspects such as the UN greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction program and the reduction of fine dust generation in port areas, LNG fuel is ultimately considered to be the most ideal method in the marine industry. In line with this international trend, major port authorities are considering building LNG bunkering stations, but the proper methods and criteria for estimating the size of LNG bunkering infrastructure are not clear. This study proposes a method of estimating the size of LNG infrastructure required with consideration for the operational status of ports according to the estimated amount of bunkering demand at a future time with the case study of Busan Port in Korea. In order to estimate the detailed demand amount by inbound vessels, a simulation modeling technique is applied as a tool of research.