Design Standards for US Barges Carrying LNG

The U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) Office of Design and Engineering Standards released CG-ENG Policy Letter 02-15 to provide interim guidance for the design standards for barges carrying liquefied natural gas in bulk.

As interest in the use of LNG as a maritime fuel has increased, the USCG reports it has been approached by a number of vessel designers and operators requesting specificity regarding the design and operation of barges carrying LNG in bulk.

The policy recommends design details for barges carrying LNG in bulk within the existing regulatory framework. This document consolidates guidance the Coast Guard has given to industry personnel who are designing LNG barges and to the Coast Guard personnel who are reviewing those designs.