GB/T 44412-2024 Ships and marine technology - Specification for bunkering of liquefied natural gas fuelled vessels
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements for LNG bunkering transfer systems and equipment used to bunker LNG fuelled vessels, which are not covered by the IGC Code.
This document is applicable to vessels involved in international and domestic service regardless of size, and addresses the following five elements:
a) hardware: liquid and vapour transfer systems;
b) operational procedures;
c) requirement for the LNG provider to provide an LNG bunker delivery note;
d) training and qualifications of personnel involved;
e) requirements for LNG facilities to meet applicable ISO standards and local codes.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 16904 Petroleum and natural gas industries - Design and testing of LNG marine transfer arms for conventional onshore terminals
ISO 21593:2019 Ships and marine technology - Technical requirements for dry-disconnect / connect couplings for bunkering liquefied natural gas
ISO 21903 Refrigerated hydrocarbon fluids - Dynamic measurement - Requirements and guidelines for the calibration and installation of flowmeters used for liquefied natural gas ( LNG ) and other refrigerated hydrocarbon fluids
IEC 60079-10-1 Explosive atmospheres - Part 10-1: Classification of areas - Explosive gas atmospheres
ASME B16.5 Pipe flanges and flanged fittings: NPS 1/2 through NPS 24 metric/inch standard
BS 4089 Specification for metallic hose assemblies for liquid petroleum gases and liquefied natural gases
EN 1474-2 Installation and equipment for liquefied natural gas - Design and testing of marine transfer systems - Design and testing of transfer hose
EN 1474-3 Installation and equipment for liquefied natural gas - Design and testing of marine transfer systems - Offshore transfer systems
EN 12434 Cryogenic vessels - Cryogenic flexible hoses
IMO International Code of the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk
IMO International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels
OCIMF Design and Construction Specification for Marine Loading Arms. Third edition, 1999. London, England: Oil Companies International Marine Forum
Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators, (SIGTTO). ESD Arrangements & Linked Ship / Shore Systems for Liquefied Gas Carriers [online]. Firstedition, 2009. Scotland, UK: Witherby Seamanship International Ltd
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
bunkering
operation of transferring LNG fuel to a vessel
Note: For the purposes of this document, it refers to the delivery of LNG only. This document does not address the transfer of CNG, propane or fuels other than LNG that can be covered by the IGF Code.
3.2
bunkering terminal
fixed operation on or near shore that is not regulated as a vessel, and that can be used to provide LNG bunkers to a receiving vessel
3.3
classification
process in which the design and condition of a vessel is evaluated to determine its compliance with rules and standards developed by the Classification Society issuing the classification
3.4
Classification Society
non-governmental organization that establishes and maintains technical standards for the construction and operation of ships and offshore structures
Note: They also validate that construction is according to these standards and carry out regular surveys in service to verify compliance with the standards.
3.5
competent authority
legal authority within a member state that has jurisdiction over maritime or port activities within that state
3.6
controlled zones
areas extending from the bunkering manifolds on the LNG receiving vessel (3.24) and the LNG supply source during LNG bunkering operations that have restrictions in place
Note: These restrictions include limitation on personnel access, sources of ignition and unauthorized activities. The controlled zones are subdivided into hazardous zones, safety zones and the monitoring and security areas as defined in Annex B.
3.7
dry connection and disconnection
method that reduces LNG or natural gas releases into the atmosphere under normal operation to a negligible amount consistent with safety, either by equipment design or procedural practice
3.8
dry-disconnect/connect coupling
DD/CC
mechanical device used to connect the hose bunkering system to an LNG fuel manifold without employing bolts
3.9
emergency release coupling; ERC
break-away coupling
coupling installed on LNG and vapour lines, as a component of ERS, to ensure the quick physical disconnection of the transfer system from the unit to which it is connected, designed to prevent damage to loading/unloading equipment in the event that the transfer system’s operational envelope and/or parameters are exceeded beyond a predetermined point
3.10
emergency release system; ERS
system that provides a safe shut down, transfer system isolation and quick release of hoses or transfer arms between the facility or vessel (3.24) providing the LNG, and the vessel receiving the LNG, preventing product release at disconnection time
Note: The ERS consists of an emergency release coupling (ERC) and interlocked isolating valves that automatically close on both sides, thereby containing the LNG or vapour in the lines (dry disconnect), and, if applicable, associated control system.
3.11
emergency shutdown system; ESD
system that safely and effectively stops the transfer of LNG and vapour between the facility or vessel providing the LNG and the vessel receiving the LNG, or vice versa
3.12
liquefied natural gas; LNG
natural gas that has been cooled and condensed into liquid form
Note: It is characterized as a cryogenic liquid having a temperature typically around -161 °C under normal atmospheric pressure.
3.13
lower flammable limit; LFL
concentration of flammable gas or vapour in air below which there is insufficient amount of substance to support and propagate combustion
3.14
management system
set of procedures an organization needs to follow in order to meet its objectives
3.15
mobile facility
facility used to transfer LNG to a vessel
Example: Trucks, rail car or other mobile devices (including portable tanks).
3.16
monitoring and security area
area around the bunkering facility and vessel, where vessel traffic and other activities are monitored to mitigate harmful effects
