GTT announces LNG bunker barge crew training programme

GTT subsidiaries, GTT North America, Inc. and GTT Training Ltd, announced the award of the first contract for the development and implementation of a comprehensive LNG ( training program for the 2,200 m3 LNG Bunker Barge currently under construction at Conrad Industries Shipyard in Orange, TX, following the order received by GTT North America from Conrad Industries in February 2015.

The contract was executed with the barge’s owner TOTE on April 6th, 2016, to initiate the program for training of the tug and LNG barge crew, which will ultimately be subject to U.S. Coast Guard approval.

GTT says that currently there are no LNG specific competency and training standards for LNG barges that can serve as the basis to establish crew credentials and qualifications by the Flag authorities.

GTT North America will collaborate with its sister company, GTT Training, STAR Center, an internationally recognized and U.S.C.G. accredited LNG training center located near Miami, FL, and TOTE to fully develop the training program and obtain the necessary approval from U.S.C.G.

“We are excited to partner with GTT and other stakeholders in developing a training program that sets the standard for safety when working with LNG.” noted Peter Keller, Executive Vice President of TOTE.

“We are proud and honored by this agreement with TOTE. It demonstrates GTT group’s capability to provide TOTE a wide range of services, beyond the containment system technology, to assure their personnel are certified and competent to safely conduct all operations related to the LNG bunker barge.”declared Philippe Berterottière, Chief Executive Officer of GTT. 

Source: GTT