LR Asia completes LNG safety case

Lloyd?s Register Asia has completed the first safety case in Korea for dual-fuel electric propulsion in association with Daewoo Shipbuilding (DSME) and Wärtsilä. The system is for the new large LNG tanker designs of 200,000 cubic metres and above being put forward by Korean yards. Lloyd?s Register Asia has worked with DSME and Wärtsilä to help to ensure that the technology is properly qualified for installation onboard the next generation of LNG tankers.

The safety case methodology involves two key elements, i.e. a hazard identification study, which identifies critical issues and looks at engine room arrangements and layout, and a hazard operability study, which looks at ship systems including, for example, a detailed examination of piping and instrumentation diagrams from a safety and operability point of view. It is essentially a method of evaluating the safety and integrity of an installation, a system or a product through a formal process of risk assessment which can give stakeholders confidence in a new technology or design.

Roy Thomson, Head of New Construction, Lloyd?s Register Asia, says: “The safety case approach is well established in the oil and gas sector and is now beginning to be applied in the maritime industry. It is quickly proving to be the most appropriate method of technology qualification for new design concepts which do not already come with their own existing or established rule sets and is helping yards, operators and class to bring a heightened level of clarity, transparency and technical integrity to highly technical concepts.

D Y Lee, Executive Director, DSME, says: “We aim to be the leading builder of large LNG carriers, and it is important that we remain at the forefront of LNG technology.

The safety case approach has helped us to address the necessary design and installation issues so that we can be confident that we have minimised the risks to the system, the equipment, the owners and operators and the environment. Lloyd?s Register Asia and Wärtsilä have been ideal partners in this project.”

Lloyd?s Register Asia and Lloyd?s Register North America, Inc are also currently involved in similar projects for large reliquefaction plant for slow-speed diesel propulsion and gas turbine electric technology. Once these safety cases have been completed, Lloyd?s Register will have covered the three main propulsion alternatives being proposed for large LNG carriers of 200,000 cubic metres and above. Completion is expected to take place by June 2005.