USCG draft policy letters
USCG has released two draft policy letters on LNG bunkering for which it seeks public comment.
The first draft policy letter provides voluntary guidance for liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel transfer operations on vessels using natural gas as fuel in U.S. waters, and training of personnel on those vessels. It recommends transfer and personnel training measures that we believe will achieve a level of safety that is at least equivalent to that provided for traditional fueled vessels. It would apply to vessels equipped to receive LNG for use as fuel, but not to vessels carrying LNG as cargo that use boil-off gas as fuel.
The second draft policy letter discusses voluntary guidance and existing regulations applicable to vessels and waterfront facilities conducting LNG marine fuel transfer (bunkering) operations. The second draft policy letter provides voluntary guidance on safety, security, and risk assessment measures that will ensure safe LNG bunkering operations.
USCG requests comments on these draft policy letters before signature and public release.
The Coast Guard has developed two draft policy letters, available in the docket, that recommend transfer procedures and other operating guidelines for vessels and waterfront facilities providing LNG to vessels for use as fuel and for vessels operating in U.S. waters that will be fueled with natural gas that will be stored onboard as LNG. The Coast Guard is interested in receiving public comment on these draft policy letters and voluntary guidelines prior to finalizing them for signature and public release. At a future date, USCG may initiate a rulemaking on the topics discussed in these policy letters. The draft policy letters and voluntary guidance would not apply to vessels that carry LNG as cargo and utilize their boil-off gas as fuel. They also would not provide guidance on vessel design criteria for natural gas fuel systems or design of vessels providing LNG for use as fuel. Questions related to the design of these systems should be referred to the Coast Guard’s Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG, formerly CG-521) Further details may be found at https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/02/07/2014-02708/draft-policy-letters-guidance-for-the-use-of-liquefied-natural-gas-as-a-marine-fuel |
Also read Safety4Sea articles
Recommended Practice for LNG bunkering
LNG ship to ship bunkering procedure
Guidelines for systems and installations for supply of LNG as a fuel to ships