Americas News
US Issues Recommendations After Several "Near Misses" During LNG Bunkering
Several "near misses" that recently occurred during liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operations have prompted the U.S. Coast Guard to issue eight safety recommendations to vessel operators, IHS Maritime 360 reports.
These recommendations include that vessels involved in bunkering operations follow Coast Guard-reviewed procedures for LNG operations similar to Safety Management System standards prior to bunkering.
Additionally, a duty rotation must be developed for bunkering operations lasting longer than eight hours, so that personnel can get appropriate rest.
The Coast Guard's Liquefied Gas Carrier National Center of Expertise (NCOE) in Port Arthur, Texas, issued the recommendations, which also include a mandate that vessels involved in LNG bunkering should be able to maintain and make available for inspection a record of all fuelling alarms and valve closure times.
NCOE involvement in initial pre-bunkering and bunkering processes is also required.
Although it did not disclose details of the incidents, NCOE said the recommendations are based on "lessons learned" while observing LNG bunkering over the last several months.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Coast Guard published two policy letters giving guidance on using LNG as a marine fuel, one of them focusing on safe fuel transfer operations and the training of staff on LNG-fueled vessels.
