KR Opens LNG Bunkering Simulation Center

The Korean Register (KR) said it established a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel and bunkering simulation center (KR LSC) at its headquarters in Busan

The use of LNG as a ship fuel and demand for bunkering is expected to increase as a result of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) regulations to reduce SOx, which came into effect at the beginning of this year, and with the strengthening of GHG emission regulations in the future.

The KR LSC will provide comprehensive technical services relating to LNG operations, including not only the customized trial and optimal operations for LNG fuel supply and bunkering systems but also conducting the detailed risk analysis for liquefied gas for ships propelled by eco-friendly fuels such as LNG, hydrogen and ammonia.

Following the site's official opening on September 15, a memorandum of understanding was signed between KR and Transgas Solution (TGS) agreeing to build an operator training simulator (OTS) system which will be used to training operators of LNG-propelled ships and for ship-to-ship bunkering.

KR said it will also collaborate with TGS to develop practical education and training programs for shipping companies, shipyards, and equipment companies, for example by combining the use of an OTS and virtual reality (VR) based on a real-time simulation of the LNG vessel fuel processes.

Meanwhile, KR has been procuring test technology for LNG-propelled ship engines and aftertreatment devices through the Greenship Equipment Testing and Certification Center (TCC) established in Gunsan in 2015.  The newly established KR LSC will provide unified LNG technical services adding simulation technology and enabling the implementation of a pretreatment device for LNG fuel propulsion.