BV publishes guidelines for LNG bunkering

BV's "Guidance on LNG Bunkering NI 618" focuses on the framework to be established between port authorities and bunkering firms before any commercial operation, as well as stipulations for before and after each operation, emergency management and training.

“We really believe that LNG has great potential as a clean fuel for shipping,” says Jean-Francois Segretain, technical director of BV Marine and Offshore Division. “But fears over its availability in the bunker chain are holding back owners from adopting it. Part of the issue is that ports and terminals wishing to provide LNG as bunkers and shipowners wishing to have LNG-powered ships do not have agreed international standard bunker procedures to work to.”

Segretain echoes the sentiment of new IACS chairman Philippe Donche-Gay who indicated the need to “develop common procedures for LNG bunkers” in his appointment speech.

Recently, a number of LNG Bunkering projects have taken off in Europe ahead of the entering into force of the 0.1% sulphur limit in the North Sea and Baltic ECAs, for which LNG is widely held to be a solution. Ports in Antwerp, Portsmouth, Rotterdam and Gothenburg are in the process of setting up facilities, while NYK has ordered the world’s first LNG bunker tanker (pictured).

“We have done a lot of work on risk analysis for LNG bunkering, helping owners such as Brittany Ferries make the decision to switch to LNG as a fuel,” Segretain continues.

“We are not talking about specifying the equipment, which will be done by the ISO, we are talking about managing the risks and getting the procedures and people part of this right. We can also provide training for all the personnel involved, from the senior ship management and the engineer receiving the LNG and the port management and LNG bunker staff delivering it. LNG is the future, and confidence in safe handling of it is the key to progress. We can deliver that confidence.”

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