Classification society Bureau Veritas has published requirements for LNG bunkering tankers which are set out in Rule Note NR 620.
NR 620 covers the design and installation of the LNG transfer systems from the bunkering ship to the receiving ship, and the vapour transfer system from the receiving ship to the bunking ship. This includes LNG hoses, transfer arms and auxiliary systems for handling the LNG systems.
“Establishing a secure and safe LNG bunkering chain is the key to a swift uptake of LNG fuel across shipping. We believe that small-scale LNG bunkering chain is the key to a swift uptake of LNG fuel across shipping,” said Jean-Francois Segretain, technical director of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore Division.
He added: “We believe that small-scale LNG bunker vessels will play a key role in developing that chain. These rules help ensure safe development of this new type of ships. Of the fifteen or so small-scale LNG ships ordered so far ten are to BV class so we are driving this sector forward.”
Vessels meeting the standards will be awarded the notation LNG Bunkering Ship. Ships which provide extra will receive additional notations, these include RE which will be assigned to LNG bunkering ships that are designed to receive LNG from a gas-fuelled ship for which LNG fuel tanks have to be emptied.
Initial-CD is assigned to LNG bunkering ships designed for initial cooling down of the receiving ship LNG fuel tank. IG-Supply will be given to ships which supply inert gas and dry air to ensure gas freeing aeration.
Finally, the additional notation BOG is assigned to LNG bunkering ships designed to receive and manage the boil-off gas from the receiving ship generated during the bunkering operation.
