The Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF) has released its ’LNG as a marine fuel – Safety and Operational Guidelines – Bunkering’ publication, covering all aspects related to the bunkering of LNG fuel, reports Assafina Online.
The latest guidelines and publications
These latest guidelines take a holistic approach, incorporating the most recent operational experience. Starting from the design of bunkering vessels and facilities to the planning and preparation of the bunkering operations and locations, which is completed with guidance on safe fuelling operations.
In addition, the publication addresses the specific requirements for LNG used as a marine fuel, as well as synthetic and bio-LNG. Its content may also, with appropriate limitations, be used as a reference for other low-flashpoint fuels and systems not specifically addressed in these guidelines.
“Together with the environmental performance LNG use provides, this growing trend is also the result of the considerable expansion of the LNG bunkering supply infrastructure”, says the report, adding that facilities are now well established in most parts of the world, and there are more operational LNG bunkering vessels serving the industry than ever before.
SGMF and guidelines
Furthermore, Chairman of SGMF and Chief Operating Officer of Nakilat Samir Bailouni, noted that the safe and sustainable use of gaseous marine fuels are the core objectives for SGMF and “these bunkering guidelines for LNG are a cornerstone reference for the industry.”
“As the industry grows, being able to supply new entrants with these guidelines provides them with a valuable head start in ensuring they can operate with maximum safety and efficiency”.
Moreover, SGMF is also working on and will produce further guidelines for fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen.
For his part, Mark Bell, General Manager of SGMF, explained that bunkering LNG involves a range of potential hazards, but when good practice is applied and followed, the risks can be effectively mitigated.
“The overall aim of this new publication is to ensure that gas-fuelled ships can be bunkered safely, reliably, efficiently, and in an environmentally responsible way”.
Highlight of the year
Commenting on the year LNG had for 2021, Martin Christian Wold, Principal Consultant at DNV, said it was a record year for LNG fueled ships, as 240 ships were ordered across the year.
Another highlight of the year was the ‘catch-up’ in LNG bunker vessel contracting and charter-agreements in December which will secure ‘much needed supply options for the rapidly growing LNG fuelled fleet.’
What is more, Mr. Wold noted that the ships contracted in 2021 added more than 3 MTPA to global LNG bunkering demand.
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Source: Assafina Online
