A new study by University College London (UCL) has called the use of $500m for LNG shipping infrastructure in the European Union a "climate dead-end."

Work undertaken by UCL's University Maritime Advisory Services (UMAS) said there has so far been no significant greenhouse gas (GHG) benefit from the investment, half of which has come from public funds.

"This half-billion of spending will have no significant climate benefits at best, and could potentially increase greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, a conclusion in line with leading research in the field," UMAS said.