ESTIMATED TRANSPORTATION COST OF LOW-TONNAGE LNG

Abstract

Demand for low-tonnage transportation of LNG requires improved logistics. Assessing the value of all parts of the supply chain is an important component of solving the problem of optimizing transportation costs for both consumers and LNG suppliers. In connection with tightening of environmental requirements regarding bunker fuel, the task of optimizing the supply of LNG for water transport by the cost of transportation becomes particularly relevant.The objective of the study is to develop a universal approach to estimating the cost of transporting low-tonnage LNG for bunkering vessels in the Russian Federation.The research methodology is focused on the analytical method based on a system-structural approach.As part of the departmental project of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade «Development of  gaspowered fleet for navigation in coastal waters and inland waterways», the authors developed technical and economic models for calculating the unit cost of LNG transportation by road and water. To calculate the unit cost of LNG transportation by rail, the data of TMkarta information and reference system were used. Based on model calculations and data of TMkarta system, regression relations were obtained that allow one to determine the cost of transportation for various options of transport and technological schemes based on a limited set of parameters. An approach has also been proposed for estimating the cost of LNG transshipment. The regression ratios were tested for selected routes. As a result,conclusions were drawn about the most effective LNG transportation options.