LR Collaborates with HHI and HMD on Ship-to-Ship LNG Bunkering Study

LR has signed a joint development project with HHI and HMD for a ship-to-ship LNG bunkering compatibility study.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) Monday announced that it has signed a joint development project (JDP) with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) for a ship-to-ship liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering compatibility study.

The study will see the review of design requirements between 6,600 m3 LNG bunkering ships and 14,000 TEU LNG-fuelled container ships with the goal of verifying the practicability and safety of ship-to-ship LNG bunkering between the two models.

"The study aims to help all stakeholders with interest in LNG as fuel to envisage a clear picture of possible options for LNG supply infrastructure," explained LR, noting that the project builds on the company's previous work with HHI on LNG-fuelled ship projects, and with HMD on LNG bunkering ships.

LR says that ship-to-ship bunkering is a preferable method of LNG bunkering for many port authorities and ship operators, but notes that there are no existing standards or guidelines for the design or procedure for safe ship-to-ship LNG bunkering.

A checklist for the design of LNG bunkering vessels and LNG receiving vessels, which summarises the risks related to ship-to-ship LNG bunkering, and suggests design aspects not covered by legislation, is said to have already been developed by LR under the joint project.

LR says the checklist enables both HHI and HMD a chance to comprehensively review their design through mandatory rules requirements, as well as the prospective guidelines, in order to identify further design improvements that are in line with vessel operating profiles.

"Following recent developments in major ports towards a cleaner shipping industry, stakeholders will show interest in the advantages of LNG as fuel. However, the uncertainty associated with LNG supply infrastructure is still an influential factor in determining the profitability of a LNG-fuelled vessel," said Jin-Tae Lee, LR’s Korea Chief Representative and Marine Manager.

"Stakeholders need to have a clear understanding of the benefits and challenges. Our Busan Technical Support Office, led by Vincent Rees, is fully prepared to assist our clients in LNG related projects from the concept design phase to the verification phase, which will be tailored to meet the individual clients’ needs."

In June, LR said a HMD design for a 6,600 m3 LNG bunker vessel, which had been given LR's Approval in Principle (AiP), was a "vital next step" in building the capability of a global marine LNG bunkering network.