Tag: SIGTTO

LNG carriers will be able to draw up transit plans and carry out risk assessments The Panama Canal Authority has adopted a proactive approach and is doing everything it can to ensure safe transitsof the enlarged Canal by the LNG carriers of SIGTTO members and non-members alikeThe SIGTTO WG, established at the 67th GPC meeting in April 2013 , has been tasked with reviewing all existing PCA regulations and industry guidelines that may be relevant and clarifying the applicability of these requirementsfor gas carriers.Because LNG carriers have not traditionally transited the canal, a current review of the safety regime, in advance of the likely transits of such ships beginning in early 2015 when the enlarged locks open, makes good sense.LNG carriers may need to review existing mooring arrangements and ensurethey have systems in place which are specific to the Canal. For example, the Canal does not currently allow the use of wire ropes, with or without synthetic tails, andrequires that a steering light and pilot shelter are fitted on the bridge wings.LNG carrier traffic brings into the PCA realm for the first time a new class of ship with multiple engine types and propulsion system arrangements. Steam turbine-powered ships, for ...

From January 2016 onwards all LNG will need to comply with the new Reference Line requirements IGC Code update The draft revised International Gas Carrier (IGC) Code was approved at the 92nd Session of IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 92) in June 2013. Following IMO protocol, the revised Code now goes through an official review period until adoption at MSC 93 in May 2014, with a corresponding entry-into-force date of January 2016. The revised IGC Code will not be retroactive, but will apply only to vessels built after the entry-into-force date. There area few parts of the revised IGC Code requiring clarification and these are being discussed with various flag states, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) and the IMO working group chairs. It is notenvisioned that these clarifications will impact either adoption or the entry-into-force dateIGF Code updateAs IMO is currently between relevant sub-committee sessions, the development of the International Code for Ships using Gas or other Low Flash-Point Fuels (IGF Code) is being progressed via correspondence group. While the primary focus of the correspondence group remains the use of LNG as marine fuel, the group has also been tasked by IMO to also address methyl alcohol and ...

IMO Sec-Gen speech on global standard setting process for shipping

Panama Canal Expansion - LNG vessel Transit

Gas shipping industry forms Natural Gas Bunkering Safety Group

LNG Transfer Arms and Manifold Draining SIGTTO issues guidance on the purging and disconnection of hard arms as follows:As a result of concerns by members SIGTTO, working in collaboration with its members, has produced guidance on the purginganddisconnection of hard arms. This document aims todevelopa common understanding of safe purging and disconnection procedures.This advice has been prepared following reports, from a number of members, that there appears to be confusion and misunderstanding among someship and jetty operators over the safe conduct of this operation.This advice specifically pertains to terminals employing rigid transfer arms. (The basic principles are applicable for hose systems that may be used forLNG ship-to-ship transfer, but there will be differences in the detail.)Principal ObjectiveThe principal objective is to disconnect the hard arms in a manner that eliminates any risk of liquid release and reduces the release of cargo vapour to the atmosphere to an absolute minimum. For this operation to be conducted safely and in a timely manner, it is essential that there is a carefully thought out procedure in place and that there is good communication between the ship's staff and the shore operational staff, both of whom bear responsibility for safe conduct of the operation.The ...

Fitted into LNG cargo liquid lines The Society of International Gas Tankers and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) have in April 2011 released a technical document concerning the failure of Thermowells fitted into LNG cargo liquid lines.The document contains a description of the failures occurring and providing suggestions.To view the document, press here.Source: VeriSTAR

A long-awaited industry guide A long-awaited industry guide on LNG ship-to-ship (STS) transfer has finally been handed over for publication and is due to be printed in next weeks.The LNG Ship to Ship Transfer Guide, which aims to offer guidance to masters and operators of vessels undertaking STS transfers or lightering cargoes of LNG, has been put together by the Society of International Gas Tanker & Terminal Operators (SIGTTO).Source: Safety4Sea