USMRC LNG Bunkering Course "Key" to Launch of North American LNG Vessel

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Friday April 3, 2015

The United States Maritime Resource Center's (USMRC) liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering safety training course was key in the launch of the Harvey Energy, the first LNG-fueled vessel to enter service in North America, the USMRC announced in an emailed release. 

In February 2015, Harvey Gulf International Marine LLC claimed the title as the first company in North America to bunker an offshore support vessel (OSV) with LNG. 

The USMRC said that its program offers five days worth of training for crew with direct responsibility of the LNG and gas fuel systems. 

“The LNG bunkering course that USMRC provides to Harvey Gulf marine personnel is exceptional," said USMRC President Brian T. Holden.

"The innovative training ensures our mariners are prepared to the highest standards and enables our crew to play a critical role in the safe operations of our fleet.”

The course also reportedly includes practical demonstrations using a LNG bunkering system simulation tool, in addition to a full day devoted to LNG emergency response and firefighting.

“The hands-on parts of the LNG bunkering training at USMRC provide a true test for our mariners under a range of normal, unusual and emergency operating conditions – they really have to prove themselves,” said Chad Verret, Harvey Gulf’s executive vice president of Alaska and LNG Operations.

The USMRC added that it was also finalizing a basic fuels course for crew aboard LNG-fueled ships who may have safety and emergency response duties. 

Last month, it was reported that the Harvey Energy, which has since been chartered to Shell, had begun operations in the Gulf of Mexico serving Shell's deep water operations.