Americas News
GTT to Develop LNG Bunker Barge Crew Training Programme for TOTE
France-based Gaztransport et Technigaz SA (GTT) Tuesday announced that TOTE on April 6, 2016 awarded GTT North America, Inc. and GTT Training Ltd a contract to develop and implement a comprehensive liquefied natural gas (LNG) training programme for crew of a 2,200 m3 LNG bunker barge, which is currently under construction at Conrad Industries Shipyard in Orange, Texas in the U.S.
The contract, said to be the first of its kind for the development of such a programme, is intended to detail the required training for the tug and LNG barge crew and will be subject to U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approval.
"We are excited to partner with GTT and other stakeholders in developing a training program that sets the standard for safety when working with LNG," said Peter Keller, Executive Vice President of TOTE.
GTT says that the project aims to develop a training tool that can be used as a basis on which to establish crew credentials and qualifications by the flag authorities, noting that there are currently no such competency and training standards for LNG barges.
To develop the programme, GTT North America will work with not only GTT Training, but TOTE and STAR Center as well, which is a USCG accredited LNG training center located near Miami, Forida.
"It demonstrates GTT group's capability to provide TOTE a wide range of services, beyond the containment system technology, to assure their personnel are certified and competent to safely conduct all operations related to the LNG bunker barge," said declared Philippe Berterottière, Chief Executive Officer of GTT, of the agreement.
In November, GTT said it had received Approval in Principle (AIP) from Lloyd's Register (LR) for its 4,000 m3 liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering ship concept.
