LNG fuel – Experiences and challenges addressing tanks under accommodation and bunkering

Abstract

The presentation describes some of the challenges involved with the usage of LNG as a marine fuel. Today there are 37 vessels in operation in Norway and 35 of them have tanks under deck or accommodation. With the higher LNG Fuel investments for new-buildings, it makes good environmental and business sense to ensure that the vessels are additionally designed with energy efficiency, in line with IMO’s latest regulation towards CO2 reduction. In addition to the environmental benefit of using LNG, this gives further longer term economic benefits. Various passenger Ro-Ro ferries with tanks under accommodation are described. In understanding how the tanks under accommodation and passenger areas are safely designed and accepted by IMO, the properties and the facts about LNG are illustrated to give a clear understanding on how the risks are relatively easy to mitigate and manage. Risk is a function of the likelihood of occurrence versus consequence. The mitigation methods in lowering the probability from occurrence are described. A look at the component in the LNG fuel propulsion system that is really critical and how this is mitigated is examined. Another concern in the widespread use of small scale LNG is with the crew competence level related to LNG bunkering. The various methods of bunkering are described. Some developments towards safety and competence development in the industry are described. The presentation concludes with some of the key elements included in the Crew Competence Standard.