SEA-LNG and MAMII strengthen cooperation on methane emissions
SEA-LNG and the Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) have signed a four-year Memorandum of Understanding establishing a Technical Knowledge Partnership focused on methane emissions from LNG-fuelled vessels and technical engagement at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Under the agreement, MAMII will provide technical expertise on methane measurement methodologies, emissions monitoring and abatement technologies to support SEA-LNG’s participation in IMO discussions. The partnership formalises an existing relationship between the two organisations and introduces a framework for technical cooperation on maritime methane emissions.
MAMII representatives will also participate as technical experts within SEA-LNG’s IMO delegation, contributing to working groups, correspondence groups and related events under SEA-LNG’s coordination.
Technical cooperation on methane reduction
The agreement brings together SEA-LNG’s involvement in international maritime policy discussions and MAMII’s technical work on measuring and reducing methane emissions from LNG-powered ships.
A particular area of focus is methane slip, the release of unburned methane associated with the operation of LNG-fuelled marine engines. The issue remains relevant to the assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from shipping and the development of technologies intended to improve the environmental performance of LNG propulsion.
MAMII has undertaken studies involving after-treatment technologies, including plasma-catalytic systems and methane-oxidation catalysts. According to the announcement, these trials have produced promising early results, although the partnership does not involve a newly announced commercial deployment of the technologies.
Through the agreement, MAMII will contribute its research findings and technical experience to discussions concerning methane measurement and emissions reduction.
Steve Esau, Chief Operating Officer of SEA-LNG, said the partnership would strengthen the organisation’s technical participation in IMO discussions and support the use of evidence in maritime emissions policy.
Panos Mitrou, Chair of MAMII and Senior Vice President for Shipping Strategy at Lloyd’s Register, highlighted the importance of technical knowledge and operational experience in evaluating approaches to reducing emissions.
“As the industry seeks practical pathways to reduce emissions, robust technical knowledge and objective evidence are essential,” Mitrou said.
The agreement follows SEA-LNG’s initial participation in IMO meetings as a non-governmental organisation with consultative status. The organisation has been contributing to discussions concerning methane emissions and the environmental performance of LNG as a marine fuel.
The new partnership comes ahead of further IMO negotiations scheduled for November 2026, when greenhouse gas emissions and the maritime industry’s decarbonisation efforts will remain under consideration.
MAMII was launched by Safetytech Accelerator as an international collaboration involving maritime companies, LNG stakeholders, technology developers and other industry participants. Its activities focus on developing and evaluating approaches to monitoring, measuring and reducing methane emissions from LNG-fuelled vessels.
The four-year agreement establishes a technical knowledge-sharing arrangement between SEA-LNG and MAMII. It does not announce new regulatory requirements or the installation of methane abatement systems aboard specific vessels.
