LNG Carrier Cleared for Service
The Suez Matthew moored in Everett, Mass., around 11 a.m. on Dec. 29, after the captain of the port lifted a detention order placed on the LNG tanker when it temporarily lost propulsion east of Provincetown, Mass., late Saturday night.
The captain of the port of Boston reviewed and approved the final repair certification presented by Lloyd's Register, an internationally recognized classification society, and the ship's owner, Hoegh Fleet Services, signaling approval for the LNG tanker to re-enter international service.
"There was a comprehensive analysis of every system on board the ship as well as the crew's procedures in response to the power loss," said Cmdr. William Kelly, the acting commander of Coast Guard Sector Boston, in charge of the response. "Hoegh Fleet Services and the master and crew were extremely proactive in addressing the problem and ensuring a safe outcome."
After several hours of troubleshooting, repair specialists determined that a malfunctioning control valve had partially stuck in an open position, causing back pressure and subsequent failure of the turbo charger.
"Safety is always our top priority during this kind of response," said Kelly. "The public, the vessel and her crew, as well as the cargo, were never in danger, and we took every precaution to keep the situation under control."
