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🗞️ Driving the news: Scotland's new "green" ferry, MV Glen Sannox, emits more CO₂ than the older diesel-powered ferry it replaces on the Arran route
• The dual-fuel ferry’s use of liquified natural gas (LNG) was intended as a transitional green solution but has been criticized for methane emissions and inefficient fuel use
🔭 The context: LNG emits less CO₂ than diesel, but methane slip—a release of unburnt methane—offsets much of the environmental benefits
• The Glen Sannox’s larger size and heavier build require more fuel, leading to a 35% higher carbon footprint than its predecessor, MV Caledonian Isles
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: LNG was seen as a step toward greener transport, but its environmental drawbacks, including upstream emissions from gas production and transport, raise questions about its viability
• This reflects broader challenges in decarbonizing maritime transport
⏭️ What's next: Experts advocate for investment in battery-electric ferries powered by renewable energy, which could serve up to 90% of CalMac routes
• Developing biogas infrastructure in Scotland is another potential long-term solution for reducing maritime emissions
💬 One quote: “It’s rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic at a point when we should be going to zero emissions” — Prof. Tristan Smith, UCL Energy Institute
📈 One stat: Glen Sannox emits 10,391 equivalent tonnes of CO₂ annually on LNG, compared to 7,732 tonnes for the older MV Caledonian Isles
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