SGMF releases LNG safety guidance
SGMF’s ‘Operation of ships with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) – competency and assessment guidelines’ defines the skills needed for any party involved in the preparation, storage, handling and use of gas as a marine fuel. The guidance can also be used by organisations developing training in these competencies.
Ray Gillett, general manager, GTT Training and chair of SGMF Working Group 14 said that the use of LNG as a fuel on marine vessels was increasing quickly. “To ensure that these vessels are operated safely and efficiently it is important that crews fully understand what they are dealing with,” he said.
A new Technical Guidance Note makes recommendations on the best locations for bunker manifolds or bunker stations on gas-fuelled ships. The guidance complements existing SGMF documentation on manifold arrangements and is intended to promote compatible bunkering operations across a widening range of bunkering facilities and installations.
Bob Kamb, a member of SGMF Working Group 6.5 and formerly manager, LNG Services ABS Group Consulting called the new guidance a useful tool. “Seafarers frequently complain that ship designers don’t have to sail the ships they build. This guidance alleviates that complaint by providing a decision support framework for optimising bunker manifold location,” he said.
Both publications have been prepared by working groups comprising SGMF members and are available for free as part of SGMF membership. Non-members can also buy hard copies.
