Guidelines for Safe STS LNG Transfer Operation released by Korean Register

Matko Rak -

Korean Register (KR) has released the Guidelines for Safe STS LNG Transfer Operation.

Document GL-0041-E was released on 1 November 2023.

Application

These guidelines apply to ship-to-ship (STS) LNG transfer and STS LNG bunkering operations, encompassing various equipment and systems without specific technical or regulatory limitations.

The rules for LNG transfer between ships are detailed in Pt 7, Ch 5 of the Rules for the classification of steel ships.

Rules for ships using LNG fuel are covered in the Rules for the classification of ships using low-flashpoint fuels.

All operations outlined in the guidelines adhere to the ISM code.

The guidelines focus on safety requirements derived from risk assessments such as HAZID and HAZOP studies related to LNG operations conducted by the Korean Register.

Overview

The application method for safe STS LNG transfer follows these steps:

    1. Prepare a Self-safety management plan.
    2. Conduct a Safety assessment, including Compatibility study, Risk assessment (HAZID, HAZOP, SIMOPS, etc.), and Safety zone study.
    3. Enhance safety requirements in the Checklist for STS LNG transfer based on the Safety assessment.
    4. Update the Self-safety management plan with the identified improvements and supplements.
    5. Implement improvements in the Checklist during actual STS LNG transfer for a safer operation.

Purpose

The purpose of the Guidelines for safe STS LNG transfer is to ensure the safety of operations by providing guidance for the secure execution of STS LNG transfer and bunkering operations, minimizing risks to personnel, assets, and the environment.

Objects

The Guidelines for safe STS LNG transfer pertain to:

    1. STS LNG transfer between ships at sea, involving LNG supply vessels (bunkering vessel, barge, etc.) and LNG receiving vessels (fuelled vessel, carrier, etc.).
    2. Gas trials for LNG bunkering vessels.
    3. Gas trials of LNG-fuelled vessels.
    4. Gas trials of LNG carriers.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Guidelines for Safe STS LNG Transfer Operation