The ABS classification
society recently issued guide regarding the bunkering of liquefied natural gas.
The application of this Guide is optional. However, compliance with
requirements of the Guide is compulsory when seeking the optional LNG Bunkering
notation.
This Guide has been developed to outline the requirements for
the design, construction, and survey of liquefied gas carriers and barges
fitted with dedicated LNG transfer arrangements and intended to operate in
regular LNG bunkering service.
This Guide is focused on the requirements for bunkering of LNG,
the remainder of the vessel is to comply with the applicable edition of the ABS
Rules. Users of this Guide are advised that the process of bunkering LNG
involves a number of interested parties, including a vessel’s flag
Administration, national regulatory bodies and port authorities. Therefore
proposals are subject to review and approval by the applicable authorities with
respect to installed safety equipment, operational practices, crew training,
bunkering safety distances, simultaneous operations, etc. Accordingly ship
designers, shipyards, ship owners/operators and other interested stakeholders
are encouraged to determine the full applicable requirements and obtain the
necessary approvals as early as possible in any LNG bunkering new construction
or conversion project.
Furthermore, the objective of this Guide is to provide criteria
for the design, construction, installation, survey and operation of LNG
transfer arrangements, associated machinery, equipment and systems in order to
minimize risks to the vessel, crew and the environment.
Requirements
• Vessel construction is in
accordance with the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels (Steel
Vessel Rules), ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 90
Meters (295 feet) in Length (Under 90m Rules), ABS Rules for Building and Classing
Steel Barges (Barge Rules) or the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel
Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways (River Rules), as
applicable.
• LNG containment systems are
designed in accordance with Chapter 4 of the IGC Code, as incorporated by
Section 5C-8-4 of the Steel Vessel Rules.
• LNG tank pressure, temperature and
loading/filling limits are maintained within the design limits of the tank at
all times.
• Means are provided to evacuate,
purge and gas free the LNG tanks.
• LNG tanks are in a protected
location.
• LNG containment spaces, bunkering
stations and machinery spaces containing LNG or gas processing equipment are
located and arranged such that the risk of any release of liquid or vapor will
be minimized. Arrangements are provided for safe access during operations and
inspections.
• LNG piping, systems and arrangements provide safe handling of liquid and vapor under all operating conditions. Means are provided to inert and gas free piping and systems.
• Bunker stations are arranged to provide compatible LNG transfer.
• Automation, instrumentation,
monitoring and control systems are provided to minimize the risks with
carriage, distibution and bunkering of LNG.
• Operation and maintenance manuals
are provided for all LNG
Guides may be downloaded at,
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