Oil and gas company PTT has insisted that liquefied natural gas (LNG) is safe following a boat engine explosion in Bangkok.
Officials banned the use of LNG fuel in commuter boats after the March 5 boat explosion on Khlong Saen Saeb that wounded 58 passengers
About 30 of the 70 commuter boats on the canal were fueled with a mixture of diesel and LNG to save costs, but the Marine Department instructed baot operators to modify the boats to use diesel only.
But PTT executive vice president Somkiat Masunthasuwun said LNG was very safe compared to other common fuel types, and urged the public not to draw any conclusions about the explosion until the findings of the investigation are revealed.
The exec said it was very difficult for LNG to ignite as it is produced by cooling natural gas, and if spilled it vaporizes very quickly.
Somkiat added that LNG has the best safety record of all common fuels.
Related:
LNG-powered boats banned from Khlong Saen Saep
60 people hospitalized after boat engine explodes on Saen Saeb canal (VIDEO)
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