EMEA News
RINA Services Gets OK to Class LNG-fuelled Danish Ships
Classification society RINA Services (RINA) says it has received authorisation from Danish authorities to ensure the safety and reliability of liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering systems.
"This authorisation recognises RINA's expertise with gas and will allow us to assist owners in Denmark who are actively considering conversions to and newbuildings with LNG fuel," said Head of Innovation Andrea Cogliolo.
"We believe there will be a rapid and accelerating switch to LNG as a fuel in north European waters, but the move to gas must be done safely and with good management of all the risks involved."
RINA has set rules and requirements for the use of LNG or compressed natural gas (CNG) bunkers, providing the industry with guidance on the arrangement and installation of machinery on board.
Cogiolo said ship owners and yards are waiting for a new International Maritime Organisation (IMO) code for gas fuelled ships, but, until it is completed, they must depend on class requirements.
"We are helping owners move to gas, and we are making sure they avoid the pitfalls as well gaining the benefits," he said.
RINA is already working on a number of conversion or newbuild projects for LNG-fuelled ships and is facilitating studies on LNG bunkers in the Mediterranean.
Other maritime classification societies, including DNV GL and ABS, have also been developing resources to support the adoption of LNG bunkers, and the U.S. Coast Guard also issued draft guidelines on the subject last month.
