Analysis of Hydrological and Meteorological Conditions in the Southern Baltic Sea for the Purpose of Using LNG as Bunkering Fuel
The southern Baltic Sea is characterized by highly variable weather conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, when storms, strong westerly winds, and temporary sea ice formation disrupt maritime operations. This study presents a climatographic overview and evaluates key hydrometeorological fact...
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2025-06-01
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| author | Ewelina Orysiak Jakub Figas Maciej Prygiel Maksymilian Ziółek Bartosz Ryłko |
| author_facet | Ewelina Orysiak Jakub Figas Maciej Prygiel Maksymilian Ziółek Bartosz Ryłko |
| author_sort | Ewelina Orysiak |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The southern Baltic Sea is characterized by highly variable weather conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, when storms, strong westerly winds, and temporary sea ice formation disrupt maritime operations. This study presents a climatographic overview and evaluates key hydrometeorological factors that influence the safe and efficient use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as bunkering fuel in the region. The analysis draws on long-term meteorological and hydrological datasets (1971–2020), including satellite observations and in situ measurements. It identifies operational constraints, such as wind speed, wave height, visibility, and ice cover, and assesses their impact on LNG logistics and terminal functionality. Thresholds for safe operations are evaluated in accordance with IMO and ISO safety standards. An ice severity forecast for 2011–2030 was developed using the ECHAM5 global climate model under the A1B emission scenario, indicating potential seasonal risks to LNG operations. While baseline safety criteria are generally met, environmental variability in the region may still cause temporary disruptions. Findings underscore the need for resilient port infrastructure, including anti-icing systems, heated transfer equipment, and real-time environmental monitoring, to ensure operational continuity. Integrating weather forecasting into LNG logistics supports uninterrupted deliveries and contributes to EU goals for energy diversification and emissions reduction. The study concludes that strategic investments in LNG infrastructure—tailored to regional climatic conditions—can enhance energy security in the southern Baltic, provided environmental risks are systematically accounted for in operational planning. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-eaf87721b37c4a8bbd8cebed3793ea27 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| spelling | doaj-art-eaf87721b37c4a8bbd8cebed3793ea272025-08-20T03:50:16ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-06-011513711810.3390/app15137118Analysis of Hydrological and Meteorological Conditions in the Southern Baltic Sea for the Purpose of Using LNG as Bunkering FuelEwelina Orysiak0Jakub Figas1Maciej Prygiel2Maksymilian Ziółek3Bartosz Ryłko4Faculty of Navigation, Maritime University of Szczecin, 1/2 Wały Chrobrego Street, 70-500 Szczecin, PolandFaculty of Navigation, Maritime University of Szczecin, 1/2 Wały Chrobrego Street, 70-500 Szczecin, PolandFaculty of Navigation, Maritime University of Szczecin, 1/2 Wały Chrobrego Street, 70-500 Szczecin, PolandFaculty of Navigation, Maritime University of Szczecin, 1/2 Wały Chrobrego Street, 70-500 Szczecin, PolandFaculty of Navigation, Maritime University of Szczecin, 1/2 Wały Chrobrego Street, 70-500 Szczecin, PolandThe southern Baltic Sea is characterized by highly variable weather conditions, particularly in autumn and winter, when storms, strong westerly winds, and temporary sea ice formation disrupt maritime operations. This study presents a climatographic overview and evaluates key hydrometeorological factors that influence the safe and efficient use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as bunkering fuel in the region. The analysis draws on long-term meteorological and hydrological datasets (1971–2020), including satellite observations and in situ measurements. It identifies operational constraints, such as wind speed, wave height, visibility, and ice cover, and assesses their impact on LNG logistics and terminal functionality. Thresholds for safe operations are evaluated in accordance with IMO and ISO safety standards. An ice severity forecast for 2011–2030 was developed using the ECHAM5 global climate model under the A1B emission scenario, indicating potential seasonal risks to LNG operations. While baseline safety criteria are generally met, environmental variability in the region may still cause temporary disruptions. Findings underscore the need for resilient port infrastructure, including anti-icing systems, heated transfer equipment, and real-time environmental monitoring, to ensure operational continuity. Integrating weather forecasting into LNG logistics supports uninterrupted deliveries and contributes to EU goals for energy diversification and emissions reduction. The study concludes that strategic investments in LNG infrastructure—tailored to regional climatic conditions—can enhance energy security in the southern Baltic, provided environmental risks are systematically accounted for in operational planning.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7118maritime safetymarine meteorologysafety of navigation and shippingmarine navigationsafety and reliability of transportation systemsshipping fuel |
| spellingShingle | Ewelina Orysiak Jakub Figas Maciej Prygiel Maksymilian Ziółek Bartosz Ryłko Analysis of Hydrological and Meteorological Conditions in the Southern Baltic Sea for the Purpose of Using LNG as Bunkering Fuel Applied Sciences maritime safety marine meteorology safety of navigation and shipping marine navigation safety and reliability of transportation systems shipping fuel |
| title | Analysis of Hydrological and Meteorological Conditions in the Southern Baltic Sea for the Purpose of Using LNG as Bunkering Fuel |
| title_full | Analysis of Hydrological and Meteorological Conditions in the Southern Baltic Sea for the Purpose of Using LNG as Bunkering Fuel |
| title_fullStr | Analysis of Hydrological and Meteorological Conditions in the Southern Baltic Sea for the Purpose of Using LNG as Bunkering Fuel |
| title_full_unstemmed | Analysis of Hydrological and Meteorological Conditions in the Southern Baltic Sea for the Purpose of Using LNG as Bunkering Fuel |
| title_short | Analysis of Hydrological and Meteorological Conditions in the Southern Baltic Sea for the Purpose of Using LNG as Bunkering Fuel |
| title_sort | analysis of hydrological and meteorological conditions in the southern baltic sea for the purpose of using lng as bunkering fuel |
| topic | maritime safety marine meteorology safety of navigation and shipping marine navigation safety and reliability of transportation systems shipping fuel |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7118 |
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