<![CDATA[The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) decarbonization targets necessitate adopting alternative fuels. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), regulated by the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), offers potential emission reductions but faces debates regarding methane slip and cost-effectiveness. This meta-analysis synthesized 48 peer-reviewed studies (2015–2024) following PRISMA guidelines. Random- effects models quantified LNG’s performance versus conventional fuels (HFO/MDO) in emissions (CO₂eq, SOₓ, NOₓ, PM), economics (CAPEX/OPEX), and safety. Heterogeneity was assessed via I² statistics. LNG reduces SOₓ by 98% (95% CI: 96–99), NOₓ by 25% (18–32), and PM by 93% (88–97). Net CO₂eq reduction is 12% (5–19) after methane slip adjustment (0.2–5%). CAPEX is 25% higher (SMD = 1.8; 1.5–2.1), but OPEX is 22% lower (SMD = -1.2; -1.8 to -0.6). Safety incidents are 1.8× more likely (OR = 1.8; 1.2–2.7), mitigated by IGF-compliant training (OR = 0.6; 0.4–0.9). LNG achieves immediate air quality benefits but requires methane slip abatement for climate goals. Policy priorities include bio-LNG blending and global bunkering standardization]]>
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