Germany supports the objective of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to prevent pollution from ships including the ongoing efforts to minimize airborne emission from ships. The use of high-quality fuel is one possible way to further minimize air pollution from ships. As a pilot project the replacement building of the survey, wreck-search and research vessel ATAIR that is operated by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) is equipped with LNG-propulsion. The new ATAIR will be able to operate 10 days using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) only; which is the usual duration of a survey cruise. Burning LNG causes less noxious emissions compared to marine gas oil or even heavy fuel oil. After the ATAIR it is planned to equip two more German survey vessels
with LNG propulsion. The intention of the German Federal Government is to lead by example in reducing air pollution from ships.