Lng Safety News

ExxonMobil Research Qatar (EMRQ) today announced that ExxonMobil has awarded a global commercial license for Immersive 3D Operator Training Simulator technology to co-developer EON Reality Inc. The innovative technology incorporates ultra-realistic, multi-angle immersive virtual reality for training process operators and engineers in oil and gas production, processing and transportation facilities. The technology enables effective training to take place in a safe and controlled environment. The new technology also supports the development of simulators that combine dynamic process training and fully functional 3D models. These complex models include interactive 3D objects such as rotating valves…

Safety around Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is a hot topic, now that LNG is more and more becoming the fuel of the future. The results of a recent LNG emergency and incident response study are a big step forward in LNG safety in Europe. Today, the Rhine Port Group hands over the first edition of this study to Mr. Specht, 1st Major of the City of Mannheim and dedicated chief of the fire department. The Rhine Port Group consists of the Port of Rotterdam, the Port of Antwerp, the Port of Mannheim, the Port of Strasbourg and the Port of Switzerland. The document informs emergency response organisations how to prepare themselves to manage credible LNG incidents on inland navigation along the Rhine-Main-Danube corridor.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport, Singapore, will conduct SGMF’s Global Launch on Stand No. 33 on Wednesday 15th October 2014 at 10.15am in connection with SIBCON 2014 confirms SGMF’s Brand, Marketing and Membership Manager, John Saunders. ‘SGMF has already established itself in Europe and America and we believe that SIBCON 2014 presents a great opportunity for us to connect with the Asian market. Singapore, which organises the SIBCON event, are founding members of SGMF’ Saunders added. SGMF, The Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel, is a new non-governmental organisation (NGO) established to promote safety and industry best practice in the use of gas as a marine fuel. ‘Inspiring responsible future shipping’ is SGMF’s vision, Mark Bell, General Manager, quoted.

The Dutch company Falck Risc is becoming the number one expert on LNG safety in Europe. Together with the Unified Fire Department, Falck Risc will draw up guidelines and recommendations for emergency response services in dealing with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). This study is part of the LNG Masterplan Rhine-Main Danube and will be ready at the end of this year. As coordinator for the Rhine Corridor in this European project, Port of Rotterdam Authority is in charge of this research project by Falck Risc. Falck Risc and the United Fire Department won the tender for a LNG safety study wich was commissioned by the European Union (TEN-T) as an important part of the LNG Masterplan. These two organizations were chosen because of their elaborate expertise on emergency repression.

There are roughly 30 liquified natural gas (LNG)-powered marine vessels currently active in today’s global seas, with some estimates showing approximately 30 new builds expected by 2014. With new commitments and orders for LNG-powered ships taking place every month, the potential that LNG-powered vessels will play an important part in shaping the future of the maritime industry is no longer speculation – it is now a fact. Helping to drive the switch from diesel, steam and even…

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is exploring an option to use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a source of fuel for the Issaquah Class ferries. LNG is used worldwide and provides an opportunity to reduce fuel costs, and better the environment by decreasing emissions. Fuel is WSF's fastest growing operating expense; it burns more than 17 million gallons each year. Its fuel budget is over 30 percent of the FY11-13 operating budget, compared to 12 percent in FY00-01. The fuel cost savings moving from diesel to LNG is approximately 40-50 percent at today’s pricing.

DNV’s new report, Greener shipping in North America, proposes that LNG l is the most efficient and economical way to meet air emissions requirements in the U.S. and Canada that take effect in August 2012. Environmental Control Areas (ECA) will gradually be enforced along the North American coastlines. They will have full force in 2015 and 2016, leaving shipowners a limited number of options for modifications to their ships if they want to continue trade in North America. Specifically, the use of LNG fuel for a ship would reduce nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions by 85-90%, sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter by almost 100%, and it would result in 15-20% less greenhouse gas emissions.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Coast Guard and Department of Transportation announced an interagency agreement to provide for the comprehensive and coordinated review of land and marine safety and security issues at the nation’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals. The agreement was signed by FERC Chairman Pat Wood III, Samuel Bonasso, Deputy Administrator of the Department of Transportation’s Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), and Admiral Thomas Collins, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

The House Homeland Security Committee conducted a hearing entitled Securing LNG Tankers to Protect the Homeland. Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) stated that he was concerned about the significant increase in LNG imports and the increased safety and security risks related thereto. Mr. Jim Wells, Government Accountability Office (GAO), testified that the public safety consequences of a liquefied natural gas spill need clarification. Rear Admiral Brian M. Salerno, USCG explained the Coast Guard’s role in LNG security. Mr. H. Keith Lesnick, Maritime Administration (MARAD) discussed the agency’s efforts to have US mariners on board LNG tankers calling at US ports. Mr.