New LNG Bunkering Body Formed

NGMFSAG aims to cover the design, operation, and safety of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering logistics spectrum

The liquefied gas shipping industry has formed the Natural Gas Marine Fuel Safety Advisory Group (NGMFSAG), which held its first meeting in London on July 10, 2012 according to a press release Monday.

The group aims to cover the design, operation, and safety of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering logistics spectrum, from bulk storage, bunker vessel design and operations and LNG transfer arrangements to shipboard gas containment and handling systems.

Represented in the membership are ship-owners, gas companies, terminal operators, engine manufacturers, gas societies, naval architects, research establishments, training organisations, and regulatory agencies.

"The establishment of the Natural Gas Marine Fuel Safety Advisory Group reflects the gas shipping industry's desire to pass on the body of knowledge it has accumulated to a rapidly emerging LNG bunkering community to ensure a continuation of the excellent safety record," the press release said.

The Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SGTTO) says it organised the first meeting to  promote best working practices and high standards of safety in the storage, handling and seaborne transport of LNG.

NGMFSAG said LNG bunkering will bring a wide cross-section of ship and port operators into contact with a fuel that requires careful handling, and sees use of LNG as a marine fuel, in complying with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) requirements regarding ship emissions, not only as providing a new energy market but also introducing technological challenges for the shipping industry.

The press release said there were "hazards posed by a cryogenic liquid at -162˚C" but pointed to Norway's safety record with LNG as a point of reference for the NGMFSAG, having experienced only two fires, four spills and no fatalities in 50 years operating LNG vessels. 

A Norwegian Maritime Authority report last month said huge proven reserves and cheap extraction methods were reasons to switch to LNG, which it also said can meet the IMO tier 3 requirements on emissions.

It also has the potential to be economically competitive to heavy fuel oil and has lower tariffs per tonne than residual and distillate fuels.

The report added that the most common method of bunkering LNG today is from trailers on the quay/ferry terminal but in the future bunkering will be from shore based tank farms at LNG plants and from shore based tank farms refilled through LNG tankers.

Going forward, the group said it will examine projects proposing the use of LNG as a bunker fuel so the members can develop a position and offer advice where appropriate, referencing current codes, standards and industry guidelines wherever possible.