Salvage Industry Not Ready for LNG-Fuelled Ship Casualty, Says Expert

Sylvia Tervoort, Salvage Master at SMIT Salvage, says a LNG-fuelled ship can only be salvaged if it is dry and intact.

Sylvia Tervoort, Salvage Master at SMIT Salvage, speaking at the International Salvage Union (ISU) conference in London this month, suggested that the marine salvage industry is not prepared for a liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled ship casualty, LNG World Shipping reports.

Tervoort says that after years of research, she has concluded that a LNG-fuelled ship could only be salvaged if dry and intact, with the vapour emitted by the LNG bunkers likely to impede salvage operations.

"LNG is in a constant state of boil-off and the rate of vaporisation depends on the volume in a tank and the type of tank," said Tervoort, adding: "LNG is lighter than air, can be up to 99 percent methane and is hazardous in both its cryogenic state and as natural gas."

Tervoort says LNG's low temperature could lead to carbon steel to fracture in the event of a leak, potentially resulting in the breakup of a stricken tanker and resulting in an oil spill.

Further, Tervoort notes that salvor crews would be challenged in sailing close to such an LNG-fuelled vessel without knowing the conditions.

"Is there an LNG leak, a vapour cloud in a collision? It would be all about vapour management, having the right equipment and training personnel. How easy would it be to approach a casualty and what are the safe zones to work in?" questioned Tervoort. 

LNG would displace air that could lead to asphyxiation, explained Tervoort, noting that an ignition source could also lead to fire and explosion.

"Our industry wants to be ahead of events as if there is a significant incident, then salvors need to be prepared," said Tervoort, adding: "we do not have all the answers yet, so more research is required."