Guidelines on LNG Bunkering

July 2014

Guidance Note
NI 618 DT R00 E

Marine & Offshore Division

92571 Neuilly sur Seine Cedex France
Tel: + 33 (0)1 55 24 70 00 Fax: + 33 (0)1 55 24 70 25
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 NI 618

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction 5

2. Scope 5

3. International Rules and Regulations on LNG bunkering 6

3.1 IMO 6
3.2 EU 6
3.3 OTHER REGULATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 6

4. Definitions 7

4.1 Atmospheric tanks 7

4.2 Bunkering facility 7
4.3 Bunkering facility organization (BFO) 7
4.4 Emergency shut-down (ESD) 7
4.5 Emergency release coupling (ERC) 7
4.6 Exclusion zone 8
4.7 Hazardous zone (bunkering-related) 8
4.8 LNG Bunkering 8
4.9 LNG vapour return 8
4.10 LNG transfer system 9
4.11 Person in Charge (PIC) 9
4.12 Receiving Ship 9
4.13 Receiving ship operator (RSO) 9
4.14 Safety zone 9
4.15 Type C tanks 9

5. Main safety aspects of LNG bunkering 9

5.1 LNG properties 9

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5.2 LNG boil-off gas 10

5.3 Hazards in connexion with LNG bunkering 11

6. Description of typical ship bunkering arrangements 12

6.1 Ship to ship LNG bunkering 12

6.2 Truck to ship LNG bunkering 12
6.3 Terminal (or shore-based facility) to ship LNG bunkering 12
6.4 Examples of ship bunkering arrangements 13
6.5 LNG / vapour transfer system 16

7. General framework to be established before setting up a LNG

bunkering project 16

7.1 General 16
7.2 Actions to be performed by the receiving ship operator (RSO)
and the bunkering facility organization (BFO) 16
7.3 Identification of requirements from Port Authorities, Local
Authorities or National Authorities 17
7.3.1 Port Authorities ............................................................................................. 17
7.3.2 National and local Authorities ..................................................................... 18
7.4 Specific design requirements for bunkering systems 18
7.4.1 General........................................................................................................... 18
7.4.2 Bunkering arrangements.............................................................................. 18
7.4.3 ERC ESD systems ...................................................................................... 19
7.4.4 Communication systems .............................................................................. 21
7.4.5 Bunkering transfer rate ................................................................................ 21

ANNEX 1 - Compatibility between receiving ship and bunkering

facility 23

1. General 23
2. Ship to ship 23
3. Truck to ship 23

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ANNEX 2 - Guidelines for developing an LNG bunkering procedure24

1. Objectives 24
2. Content 24
A) Introduction ................................................................................................... 24
Applicable Rules, Regulations, Guidelines, Procedures ..................................... 25
Glossary - abbreviations ......................................................................................... 25
B) Responsibility................................................................................................ 25
C) Conditions to be fulfilled before the first bunkering operation ................ 26
Approval ................................................................................................................... 26
Hazardous zone, safety zone and exclusion zone................................................ 26
Compatibility between the ship, the berthing / mooring facilities and
the bunkering facilities ................................................................................. 27
Limiting ambient conditions ................................................................................... 27
Lighting conditions ................................................................................................. 27
Safety instructions .................................................................................................. 28
Safety check-lists .................................................................................................... 28
Fire-fighting equipment........................................................................................... 28
Instructions for bunkering operations ................................................................... 28
D) Safety conditions to be fulfilled before each bunkering
operation........................................................................................................ 29
Ambient conditions within the permissible limits ................................................ 29
Delimitation of the safety zone ............................................................................... 29
Put in place signboards with warning instructions.............................................. 29
ESD systems are to be connected and tested for proper operation. .................. 30
E) Safety conditions to be observed during the bunkering
operation........................................................................................................ 30
F) Safety conditions to be observed after the bunkering operation ............. 30

ANNEX 3 - Guidelines for safety assessment 31

1. Objectives 31
2. Method 31
3. Content of the safety assessment 32
4. Scope of the HAZOP analysis 33

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ANNEX 4 Guidelines for developing a Management Plan for

emergency situations 34

1. Objectives 34
2. Content 34

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1. Introduction
The purpose of the present Guidelines is to provide recommendations on LNG
bunkering, helping the different stakeholders to get the necessary authorizations
(permits) from the Local Authorities and Port Authorities to conduct LNG bunkering
operations.
The Guidelines cover in particular the following aspects:
- general framework to be established in connection with the Port Authorities and
the Bunkering Organizations before any commercial operation, either occasional
or regular
- conditions to be observed before, during and after each bunkering operation
- management of emergency situations.

These Guidelines are issued assuming that the Port has already assessed the safety
and environmental impact of the bunkering facilities and operations and established
a set of general principles governing LNG bunkering operations, in particular as
regards:
- areas(s) of the Port where LNG bunkering may be carried out
- types (passenger ships, cargo ships) and size of ships allowed to be bunkered in
the Port
- receiving ship LNG tank capacity limitation (if any)
- bunkering facility LNG tank capacity limitation (if any)
- bunkering operational limitations (if any), such as amount or flow rate
- simultaneous passenger / cargo transfer and bunkering operations
- limitations for weather and other external conditions in which LNG transfers are
allowed: sea state, wind, visibility, etc.
- safety distances.

2. Scope
These Guidelines cover the LNG bunkering of sea going ships from a LNG bunkering
facility, which may be a bunkering ship, a tank-truck or a shore-based bunkering
facility.

It is assumed that the receiving ship and the bunkering facility comply with all
applicable Rules and Regulations. Their design and arrangement are not covered by
the Guidelines.

The National and/or local regulations and the classification rules take precedence
over these Guidelines.

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3. International Rules and Regulations on LNG bunkering

The following Rules, Regulations, Guidelines and other documents should be
considered:
3.1 IMO
[1] Resolution MSC.285(86) INTERIM GUIDELINES ON SAFETY FOR NATURAL
GAS-FUELLED ENGINE INSTALLATIONS IN SHIPS
[2] Draft IGF Code (version dated 24.04.2014)
[3] IGC Code (for the bunker ship).

3.2 EU
[4] European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) - Study on Standards and Rules for
Bunkering of Gas-Fuelled Ships
[5] DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on
the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure ref. PE-CONS No/YY -
2013/0012 (COD)
[6] European Commission Actions towards a comprehensive EU framework on LNG
for shipping ref. SWD(2013) 4 final.

3.3 OTHER REGULATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

[7] USCG Regulations 33 CFR 127 Waterfront facilities handling liquefied natural
gas and liquefied hazardous gas
[8] USCG Guidelines for liquefied natural gas fuel transfer operations and training
of personnel on vessels using natural gas as fuel draft ref. 16715 CG-OES
Policy Letter No. 012-14
[9] USCG Guidance related to vessels and waterfront facilities conducting liquefied
natural gas (LNG) marine fuel transfer (bunkering) operations draft ref. 16715
CG-OES Policy Letter No. 02-14
[10] SIGTTO ESD arrangements & linked ship / shore systems for liquefied gas
carriers
[11] ISO/TS 18683 Guidelines for systems and installations for supply of LNG as
fuel to ships
[12] ISO/DIS 16903 Characteristics of LNG influencing design and material
selection
[13] ISO/PDTS 16901 guidance on performing risk assessment in the design of
onshore LNG installations including the ship-shore interface
[14] ISO/PRF TR 22302 Natural gas -- Calculation of methane number
[15] ICS / OCIMF / SIGTTO Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guide (Liquefied Gases)
[16] OCIMF / SIGTTO Recommendations for manifolds for Liquefied Gas Carriers
[17] IAPH guidance on harmonized approach of risk perimeters (to be published)
[18] IAPH checklists for LNG bunkering
[19] EN 1473 Installation and equipment for liquefied natural gas Design of onshore
installations
[20] EN 1474-1 Installation and equipment for liquefied natural gas - Design and
testing of marine transfer systems - Part 1: Design and testing of transfer arms

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[21] EN 1474-2 Installation and equipment for liquefied natural gas - Design and
testing of marine transfer systems - Part 2: Design and testing of transfer hoses
[22] EN ISO 28460 Petroleum and natural gas industries Installation and
equipment for liquefied natural gas Ship-to-shore interface and port
operations
[23] EN ISO DIS 1604 Design and testing of LNG marine transfer arms for
conventional onshore terminals.

4. Definitions
The following definitions will be used in the present Guidelines:
4.1 Atmospheric tanks
Atmospheric tanks means tanks of the types A or B or membrane tanks as defined
in:
- IGC Code, regulations 4.21, 4.22 and 4.24
- IGF Codes, regulations 6.4.15.1, 6.4.15.2 and 6.4.15.4.

4.2 Bunkering facility

A bunkering facility is a LNG storage and transfer installation, which can be:
- a stationary shore-based installation or
- a mobile facility, including LNG bunker ship (or barge) and tank truck.
Some bunkering facilities are designed to handle the LNG vapour return.

4.3 Bunkering facility organization (BFO)

The Bunkering Facility Organization (BFO) is the organization in charge of the
operation of the bunkering facility.

4.4 Emergency shut-down (ESD)

An emergency shut-down (ESD) is a method or system that safely and effectively
stops the transfer of LNG (and vapour as applicable) between the receiving ship and
the LNG bunkering facility in the event of an emergency during the bunkering
operation and put the system in a safe stand-by condition. The control systems
involved in the ESD can be activated automatically or manually.

Note: This ESD should not be confused with the emergency shut-down systems
within the bunkering facility or on board receiving ship.

4.5 Emergency release coupling (ERC)

An emergency release coupling (ERC) is a coupling located on the receiving ship
bunkering manifold or on the LNG transfer system, which separates at a
predetermined section when required, each separated section containing a self-

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closing shut-off valve, which seals automatically.

An emergency release coupling can be activated:
- by excessive forces applied to the predetermined section
- by manual or automated control, in case of emergency.

4.6 Exclusion zone

The exclusion zone is an area around the LNG transfer system and bunkering
connections where access and certain activities are excluded or restricted during the
bunkering operations, as a result of the risk analysis. The exclusion zone
encompasses the safety zone.

Note: Exclusion zones are also referred to as security zones.

4.7 Hazardous zone (bunkering-related)

Bunkering-related hazardous zone means any hazardous area zone 1 and zone 2
defined for:
- the receiving ship in accordance with IGF Code, regulation 12.5
- the bunkering ship in accordance with IGC Code, regulation 1.3.17
and where gas may be present as a result of the bunkering operation. They include
in particular:
1. areas on open deck, or semi-enclosed spaces on deck, within 3 m of any gas
tank outlet, gas or vapour outlet, bunker / supply manifold valve, other gas valve,
gas pipe flange and gas tank openings for pressure release
2. areas on the open deck within spillage coamings surrounding gas bunker / supply
manifold valves and 3 m beyond these, up to a height of 2.4 m above the deck;
3. semi-enclosed bunkering stations; and
4. areas within 1.5 m surrounding spaces listed in 1., 2. and 3. above.

The bunkering-related hazardous zone also includes similar areas on the tank-truck
or shore-based bunkering facility.

4.8 LNG Bunkering

LNG bunkering is the process of transferring LNG fuel to a ship from a bunkering
facility.

4.9 LNG vapour return

A LNG vapour return line is a connection between the bunkering facility and the
receiving ship to prevent pressure increase in the receiving tank due to the liquid
transfer and associated boil-off.

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4.10 LNG transfer system

LNG transfer system is a system used to connect the bunkering facility and the
receiving ship in order to transfer LNG only or both LNG and vapours.
The LNG transfer system includes:
- rigid pipes, hoses, swivels, valves, couplings
- supporting structure
- handling system and its control / monitoring system
It also includes the compressors or blowers intended for the boil-off gas pressure
management, when required.

The LNG transfer system does not include safety systems such as fire-fighting, water
curtain, etc.

4.11 Person in Charge (PIC)

The Person in Charge (PIC) is a person who is responsible for the bunkering
operation. One PIC is to be designated for the receiving ship; one PIC is to be
designated for the bunkering facility.

4.12 Receiving Ship

Receiving ship is the ship that receives LNG fuel.

4.13 Receiving ship operator (RSO)

The receiving ship operator (RSO) is the company responsible for the operation of
the receiving ship, in particular during the bunkering operations.

4.14 Safety zone

The safety zone is a zone around the bunkering facility, the bunkering station of the
receiving ship and the LNG transfer system, where the only activities performed are
the bunkering operations and related activities and where measures are taken to
prevent leakage of LNG / vapour and to control sources of ignition.

4.15 Type C tanks

Type C tanks means tanks as defined in:
- IGC Code, regulations 4.23
- IGF Codes, regulations 6.4.15.3.

5. Main safety aspects of LNG bunkering

5.1 LNG properties

LNG Composition

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LNG is a cryogenic liquefied mixture of hydrocarbons composed predominantly of

methane and which can contain minor quantities of ethane (13%), propane (4%),
butanes, pentanes, nitrogen (1%) or other components normally found in natural
gas extracted from gas fields.

LNG density
The density of LNG depends on the composition and usually ranges from 420 kg/m3
3
to 470 kg/m at atmospheric pressure.

LNG temperature
LNG has a boiling temperature depending on composition and usually ranging from
166C to 157C at atmospheric pressure.

5.2 LNG boil-off gas

Composition of LNG boil-off gas

The composition of the boil-off gas depends on the composition of the liquid. It
changes in the course of time, because of the differences in the boiling points of
each LNG component, ranging from -196 C to +69 C. The main components of
boil-off gas are methane and nitrogen. Other components, in smaller amounts, are
ethane and propane. See Table 1 below.

Table 1: Boiling points of LNG components

Component Boiling point

(atmospheric pressure)
Nitrogen -196 C
Methane -161 C
Ethane -89 C
Propane -42 C
i-Butane -12 C
n-Butane -1 C
i-Pentane +28 C
n-Pentane +36 C
n-hexane +69 C

Note 1: To calculate the composition of boil-off gas, the Peng-Robinson cubic

equations of states can be used, with LNG composition and temperature as input
data.

Note 2: The Nitrogen molar content in the gaseous phase can be much higher than
in the liquid phase: e. g. 25% in the gaseous phase at atmospheric pressure, to be
compared to 1% maximum in the liquid phase.

One volume of LNG produces approximately 575 volumes of gas at normal

conditions (at 0 C and 101 325 Pa) and 600 volumes at standard conditions (at 15
C and same pressure).

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Density of LNG boil-off gas

Density of LNG boil-off gas at atmospheric pressure is approximately:

- 0.67 kg/m3 at 20C (pure methane)
- 0.72 kg/m3 at 0C (pure methane)
- 1.2 kg/m3 at -113C (pure methane)
- 1.8 kg/m3 at -161C (pure methane)
- 1.2 kg/m3 at -87C (80% methane, 20% nitrogen).

The above figures are to be compared to the density of air: 1.2 kg/m3 at 20C and
atmospheric pressure. It explains the different phases of gas dispersion in case of
release:
- Cold boil-off gases below -113C (pure methane) or -87C (80% methane, 20%
nitrogen) are denser than air and tend to descend in air or to spread over ground
or obstacles.
- Heated by the environment, hot boil-off gases with temperature higher than
mentioned above are lighter than air and tend to rise in atmosphere or to spread
below roofs and upper decks.

Flammability
The flammability characteristics of pure methane are as follows:
- Flammable range of methane /air mixture is 5 % (LFL) to 15 % (HFL) by volume
at ambient conditions
- Auto-ignition temperature: 537 C, higher than that of MGO (300C)
- Minimum ignition energy: 0.25 mJ, lower than that of many hydrocarbons.

Compared to pre-heated MGO, inflammation of natural gas on hot surface is less

likely to happen than spark ignition.

LFL, auto-ignition temperature and minimum ignition energy of natural gas

(containing hydrocarbons heavier than methane) are lower than the above figures.

Visibility
LNG vapors are not visible. However, LNG leaks in humid atmosphere generate
visible mist or fog due to the condensation of air moisture.

5.3 Hazards in connexion with LNG bunkering

The primary hazards in connection with LNG bunkering are: LNG leakage or spill,
vapour release, tank over-pressurization, overfilling or unexpected venting, which
according to [11], may result in the following consequences :

- brittle fracture of the steel structure exposed to LNG spills

- frostbite / cryogenic burning from liquid or cold vapour spills
- fire, confined explosion and subsequent deflagration from ignited natural gas
evaporating from spilled LNG
- vapour dispersion and remote flash fire

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- over-pressure of transfer systems caused by thermal expansion or vaporization of

trapped LNG
Note : The thermal expansion coefficient of LNG is high
- asphyxiation from vapour release
- possible rapid phase transition caused by LNG spilled into water.

6. Description of typical ship bunkering arrangements

6.1 Ship to ship LNG bunkering

LNG bunker ships are normally used when there is a significant volume of LNG to be
transferred. Basically the capacity of an LNG bunker ship would be in the range of a
few hundred to several thousand cubic meters.
The bunker ship will be loaded in a purpose-built, small-scale terminal or a standard
LNG terminal adapted for small scale LNG carriers.

6.2 Truck to ship LNG bunkering

LNG bunkering operations are carried out from standardized LNG trucks
3
(approximately 50 m ). More than one truck may be required to bunker a single ship,
depending on the demanded bunker capacity. Basically, these bunkering procedures
are manual and involve personnel both at shore and on-board the ship. The
operations usually take a long time as the capacity of the transfer pumps on the truck
is relatively small and might not match the required flow rate (typically 2 hours to
bunker 50 m3 with one truck).
This is a flexible bunkering method as it offers the possibility for many different ships
to be bunkered in different port locations. This method is recommended for an
amount of LNG to be transferred of less than 100 m3 and when the commercial
operation of the ship allows long duration for the bunkering. Another general aspect
is that the truck can be parked relatively close to the bunkered ship, which minimizes
the hose length.

6.3 Terminal (or shore-based facility) to ship LNG bunkering

A permanent bunkering facility may be used by ships with a fixed trade and berthing
at the same pier for commercial operations like short sea shipping ferry ships or ro-ro
ships.
LNG bunkering is taking place through a cryogenic rigid pipe and a flexible pipe or
(a) loading arm(s) for final connection with the ship located in the bunkering terminal.
The tanks for the storage of the LNG should be placed at a suitable distance,
basically as close as possible to the bunkering terminal, to avoid having a very long
cryogenic pipeline but incorporating a safety distance. The duration of the bunkering
will depend on the rate of the transfer pumps which can be selected depending on
the specific needs.
Number of qualified personnel on board of the ship will be similar to a truck to ship
operation. At the shore side semi-automatic operation might be in place to reduce
the exposure of personnel to the transfer operation.

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6.4 Examples of ship bunkering arrangements

Possible ship bunkering options are given in Table 2 below with typical arrangements
(Figures 1 to 5).

Table 2: Bunkering options and typical arrangements

Bunkering facility

Type C tank Atmospheric tank

Bunker Tank Shore- Bunker Shore-
ship truck based ship based
Receiving ship

Type C tank Fig.1 Fig.4 (*) (*) Fig.5

Atmospheric tank Fig.2 (*) (*) Fig.3 (*)

(*) This arrangement is possible but not shown.

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6.5 LNG / vapour transfer system

LNG / vapour transfer systems may consist of:

- one or more flexible hose(s) handled manually or with a lifting device
- an articulated transfer arm with rigid pipe sections and swivels
- a system combining transfer arms and flexible hoses.

7. General framework to be established before setting up a

LNG bunkering project

7.1 General
In order to get a LNG bunkering permit from the Port Authorities, the receiving ship
operator (RSO) and the bunkering facility organization (BFO) are to:
1. perform the different actions mentioned in 7.2
2. fulfil the Port Authority regulations as well as local and national regulations as per
7.3
3. follow the design requirements provided in 7.4 for the LNG transfer system.

7.2 Actions to be performed by the receiving ship operator (RSO)

and the bunkering facility organization (BFO)
Before setting up a ship bunkering project, the receiving ship operator (RSO) and
bunkering facility organization (BFO) should perform the actions listed below (Table
3).

Table 3: Actions to be performed before setting up a ship bunkering project

N Actions to be performed by: Observations

receiving bunkering
ship facility
operator organization
(RSO) (BFO)
1. Review the applicable X X At the earliest stage of
International, National the project
and Local Regulations,
Port bylaws, classification
Rules, standards,
checklists, etc. relating to
LNG bunkering

2. Identify all documents, X X At the earliest stage of

information, analysis, the project
procedures, licenses,
accreditations, etc.
required by Authorities

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3. Ensure that the bunkering X At the earliest stage of

equipment is approved by the project
class (on-board
equipment) or by relevant
Authorities (on-shore
equipment)
4. Ensure that the receiving X X This action should be
ship and the bunkering carried out jointly by
facility are compatible RSO and BFO.
(see Annex 1)
5. Develop the LNG X X - The LNG bunkering
bunkering procedure for procedure should take
the concerned ship and into account the
bunkering facility (see instructions and check-
Annex 2) lists issued by the Port.
- This procedure should
be developed jointly by
RSO and BFO.
6. Perform the Safety X X - Only if required by the
assessment and HAZOP Port Authorities
study (see Annex 3) - Safety assessment
and HAZOP study
should involve RSO
and BFO.
7. Develop a Management X X This action should be
Plan for emergency carried out jointly by
situations (see Annex 4) RSO and BFO.
8. Set up the organization in X X - This action should be
charge of the bunkering carried out jointly by
operations and provide RSO and BFO.
adequate information, - A common language
instructions and should be agreed upon
supervision to the between RSO and
persons involved in the BFO.
LNG bunkering
operations
9. Establish a training X X
program in accordance
with the Authorities
requirements

7.3 Identification of requirements from Port Authorities, Local

Authorities or National Authorities
7.3.1 Port Authorities
Port Authority regulations and procedures may impose requirements or criteria for:
- Accreditation of the BFO
- Qualification of the PICs

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- Mooring of the receiving ship

- Mooring of the bunkering ship
- Immobilization / braking of the tank truck
- Access to the receiving ship
- Establishment of a Safety zone / Exclusion zone in way of the bunkering area
- Simultaneous LNG bunkering operation and commercial operations (cargo
loading / unloading, passenger embarking / disembarking)
- Simultaneous LNG bunkering operation, FO / LO bunkering, and waste discharge
operations
- Safety assessment and risk acceptance criteria
- Conditions in which LNG bunkering operations are allowed: weather conditions,
sea state, wind speed, visibility, etc.

7.3.2 National and local Authorities

Regulations from the following national and local Authorities are to be complied with:
- Onshore facilities Regulations
- National port regulations
- Regulations from terminal.

7.4 Specific design requirements for bunkering systems

7.4.1 General
The LNG / vapour transfer system is to be designed and the bunkering procedure
carried out so as to avoid the release of gas to the atmosphere.

The maximum LNG temperature that the receiving ship can handle is to be stated by
the RSO in order to avoid excessive boil-off generation.

Arrangements are to be made for:

- purging and inerting the bunkering lines prior to the LNG transfer
- draining, purging and inerting the bunkering lines on completion of the LNG.

Attention is drawn to the inert gas used for purging / inerting, which may result in high
inert gas content in the LNG tank of the receiving ship, which may affect the proper
operation of engines.

Accidental leakage from the LNG / vapour transfer systems including the connexions
with the receiving ship bunkering manifold and with the bunkering facility are to be
detected by appropriate means.

7.4.2 Bunkering arrangements

LNG and vapour transfer systems (rigid arm or flexible hose) should be fit for marine
LNG bunkering operations and should be type-approved by the Society.

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Care must be taken when choosing the transfer system particularly with regards to:
- potential movements between the receiving ship and the bunkering facility
- operating envelope of transfer arms
- minimum bending radius allowed for hoses
- ESD system functionality.

If hoses are utilised they are as a minimum to comply with the requirements of IGC
Code and EN 1474-2 standard. An enhanced type approval against a recognised
industry standard for offshore flexible hoses can also be considered.

Transfer hose manufacturers instructions regarding testing and number of

temperature and pressure operating cycles before removal from service are to be
strictly followed.

The methods of handling and storage of the transfer hoses are to be submitted to the
Port for review.

A document containing the following information is to be kept by the owner of the

hose:
- hose identification number
- type approval certificate
- date of initial entry into service
- initial test certificate and all subsequent test reports and certificates
- records of all transfer operations.
This document is to be made available during any survey by the Port.

The lifting devices, where fitted, are to be of suitable capacity to handle the LNG
transfer hoses and associated equipment.

Hoses are to be suitably supported in such a way that the allowable bending radius is
satisfied. They should normally not lay directly on the ground. They are to be
arranged with enough slack to allow for all possible movements between the
receiving ship and the bunkering facility.

Equipment utilised with the transfer system such as hose rests, saddles, coupling
guidance systems shall be approved and tested both before and after installation.
For emergency release couplings, see 6.4.3 below.

Hose or rigid arm rests and saddles shall not put undue stress on the hoses, the rigid
arms or on parts of the vessels manifold which are not designed for such loads.
Alternatively the manifold area may be suitably reinforced. Details of the manifold
loads should be submitted to the society for information and review.

7.4.3 ERC ESD systems

The equipment to be shut down on ESD activation includes manifold valves on the
receiving ship and bunkering facility and any pump or compressor.

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Any activation of the ESD systems is to be implemented simultaneously on both

bunkering facility and receiving ship. The timing sequence is to ensure that the
involved pumps and vapour return compressors (if any) stop before the closure of
any manifold valves.

Transfer arms and hoses are to be fitted with an emergency release coupling
designed to minimize the release of LNG on emergency disconnection. The
emergency release coupling is to be designed for:
- manual activation
- automatic activation in case of excessive forces
- automatic activation in case the safe working envelope of the loading arm is
exceeded.

The bunkering line is to be designed and arranged to withstand the surge pressure
that may result from the activation of the emergency release coupling and quick
closing of ESD valves. If not demonstrated to be required at a higher value due to
pressure surge considerations, a default time of 5 seconds from the trigger of the
alarm to full closure of the ESD valves is to be adjusted, in accordance with IGF
Code.

The alarms and safety actions required for the transfer system are given in Table 4
below.

Table 4: Alarms and safety actions required for the transfer system

Parameters Alarm Activation of the Automatic activation

ESD systems of the emergency
release coupling
Low pressure in the supply x x
tank
Sudden pressure drop at the x x
transfer pump discharge
High level in the receiving x x
tank
High pressure in the x x
receiving tank
LNG leak detection or vapour x x
detection (anywhere)
Gas detection in the ducting x x
around the bunkering lines
Manual activation of the x x
emergency release coupling
Safe working envelope of the x x x
loading arm exceeded

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Justifications are to be submitted regarding the maximum axial and shear forces
likely to be exerted on the emergency release coupling during the bunkering
operations, taking into account the worst allowable conditions for current, waves and
wind declared in the bunkering procedure.

The quick release coupling is to be subjected to a type test to confirm the values of
axial and shear forces at which it automatically separates. The tightness of the self-
closing shut-off valves after separation is to be checked.

The local manual activation position for the ESD system should be at a safe distance
from the manifold and shall have a clear view of the manifold area.

If an automated system is employed then no personnel shall be permitted in the area

of the manifold during cargo operations.

Adequate means, such as screens and drip trays made of suitable stainless steel
and water curtains, shall be provided to protect the ships hull and structure from the
effects of release of LNG. In the event of activation of the ERC, the hoses must be
adequately supported and protected to prevent potential damage, spark or rupture
due to mechanical shocks.

A controlled manual shut down is always preferable to an emergency stop.

All electrical components of the emergency release coupling actuator and of the ESD
systems are to be of a suitable safe type.

7.4.4 Communication systems

A communication system with back-up is to be provided between the bunkering
facility and the receiving ship.

The components of the communication system located in hazardous and safety

zones are to be of a suitable safe type.

7.4.5 Bunkering transfer rate

The bunkering transfer rate is to be kept within the capabilities of the bunkering
facility and receiving ship.

The maximum LNG transfer rate is to be justified, taking into consideration:

- the management of the BOG generated during bunkering
- the temperature of the LNG supplied to the ship.

Relevant calculations are to be submitted to the class society of the receiving ship
for review.

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Adequate provisions are to be made for the disposal of the additional boil off gas
generated during the bunkering operation, without release to the atmosphere. This
may be ensured by:
- considering the capacity of the available vapour spaces and allowable pressure
build-up of both vessels or
- by burning additional volumes in boilers, gas combustion units or gas engines,
or
- by reliquefaction.

The LNG velocity in the piping system is not to exceed 10 m/s in order to avoid the
generation of static electricity and limit the heat transfer due to friction inside the
pipes.

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ANNEX 1 - Compatibility between receiving ship

and bunkering facility

As a part of the setting up of the ship bunkering project, the compatibility between
the ship and the bunkering facility are to be ascertained as indicated below.

1. General
The compatibility should cover at least the following aspects:
- Ship mooring, maximum surging permitted (due to traffic)
- Pressure / temperature in the receiving ship LNG tanks vs. pressure /
temperature in the bunker facility tank
- Vapour management
- Vapour return line pressure / temperature
- Delivery flow rate vs ship bunkering system (to avoid risk of over-pressure in the
ship filling line and storage tanks)
- Type and size of hose connections and connection systems
- Monitoring, alarm, safety and emergency shut-down (ESD) systems of the ship
vs. bunkering facility
- Earthing systems
- Communication systems and communication language
- Inert gas supply (by the receiving ship, the bunkering facility or a mobile supply
unit)
- Acceptable LNG characteristics for the ship gas engines
- Emergency response plan.

2. Ship to ship
- Possibility for safe mooring (berthing side and side by side)
- Relative freeboard difference
- Compatibility of the bunkering arm / hose operating amplitude with the ship
bunkering station location.

3. Truck to ship
- Adequacy of handling equipment for LNG / vapour transfer system
- Possibility for visual contact between ship operators and truck operator during the
operations.

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ANNEX 2 - Guidelines for developing an LNG bunkering

procedure

1. Objectives
The objective of the LNG bunkering procedure is to define the conditions to be
observed to ensure a safe and time-efficient LNG transfer from the bunkering facility
to the ship, without release of LNG or gas into the environment.

The LNG bunkering procedure addresses the entire bunkering operations. A specific
Management Plan is to be developed for the emergency operations. See Annex 4.

2. Content
The LNG bunkering procedure may include the following parts.

A) Introduction

Foreword

This procedure is intended only for the transfer of LNG between the bunkering facility
and the ship mentioned below. After the first bunkering operations, additional
technical and / or operational measures may be included in this procedure to
improve the safety and the efficiency of the bunkering operations.

General information

Information on the ship

- Description of the ship
- LNG bunkering (filling) diagram
- LNG tanks : volume, design pressure, maximum service pressure, setting
pressure of the safety valves
- Vapour return necessary or not and, where applicable, design data.

Information on the bunkering facility (bunker ship or barge, truck, shore-based

facility, terminal)
- Owner and operator of the bunkering facility
- Description of the bunkering facility
- LNG tank : volume, design pressure, maximum service pressure, setting pressure
of the safety valves.

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Information on the bunkering equipment

- Description of the LNG transfer equipment (transfer arm, flexible hose handled
manually or by means of a crane / davit)
- Connection principle
- Description of monitoring, alarm and safety (ESD) systems.

Information on the bunkering operation

- Precise location
- Frequency / timetable
- Duration
- Volume to be transferred
- Filling rate
- Passengers on board the ship
- Other operations carried out during bunkering operations (cargo loading /
unloading, passenger embarking / disembarking, FO bunkering, etc.).

Applicable Rules, Regulations, Guidelines, Procedures

The list of the documents which have been taken into account to draft the bunkering
procedure is to be provided.

Glossary - abbreviations

B) Responsibility
A person in charge of the bunkering operation (PIC) should be designated for the
receiving ship and for the bunkering facility.

The PICs should have adequate education, training and authorisation to ensure safe
bunkering operations.

The PICs will be responsible for the bunkering operation and for the personnel
involved, in all aspects of the bunkering operation, in particular the safety, until
completion.

The PICs have to ensure that:

- relevant approved procedures are properly applied
- safety standards are complied with, in particular within the hazardous zone and
safety zone
- no actions are undertaken that could impair safety.

The bunkering procedure must be agreed upon between the receiving ship
organization (RSO) and the bunkering facility organization (BFO) before starting any
actions.

A procedure on the assessment of the amount and quality of the LNG delivered to
the receiving ship is to be established and agreed upon by the RSO and the BFO.

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C) Conditions to be fulfilled before the first bunkering operation

Approval
An authorization is to be obtained from the Authorities before starting the first
bunkering operations.

The bunkering operation is to be carried out in the area designated by the Port
Authorities.

Hazardous zone, safety zone and exclusion zone

Hazardous zone, safety zone and exclusion zone as defined in 4.7, 4.14 and 4.6
respectively should be observed.

In the hazardous zone, only electrical equipment certified in accordance with IEC
60079-10-1:2008 is permitted. Other electrical equipment is to be de-energized prior
to the bunkering operations. Attention is drawn to the following equipment which is
not intrinsically safe and should therefore be disabled, except if otherwise justified:
- the radar equipment , which may be affected by high power densities
- other electrical equipment of the ship, such as radio equipment and satellite
communication equipment, when they may cause arcing.

The safety zone should extend on the sea and shore side to at least 25 m from LNG
bunkering piping and pumping systems, and bunkering station boundaries. The
extent of the safety zone may be modified, depending on the results of the safety
analysis and associated studies.

In the safety zone, the following restrictions normally apply during the bunkering
operations, except if otherwise justified by the safety analysis or agreed by the Port
Authorities:
- Access to the safety zone is restricted to the authorized staff, provided they are
fitted with personal protective equipment (PPE) with anti-static properties and
portable gas detector.
- Smoking is not permitted.
- Naked lights, mobile phones, cameras and other non-certified portable electrical
equipment are strictly prohibited.
- Cranes and other lifting appliances are not to be operated.
- No vehicle (except the tank truck) is to be present in the safety zone.
- No ship or craft should normally enter the safety zone, except if duly authorized by
the Port Authorities.
- Other possible sources of ignition are to be eliminated.

The exclusion zone is to be set so that no unforeseen mechanical impact would

affect the ship, the bunkering facility and the transfer system during bunkering
operations.

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Compatibility between the ship, the berthing / mooring facilities and the
bunkering facilities
Before the first bunkering operation, it should be ascertained that the different
compatibility requirements given in Annex 1 above are satisfied, in particular with
respect to:

- the arrangement of the ship and berth mooring equipment (including fenders)
- the arrangement of the ship and bunker ship mooring equipment (in case of ship
to ship bunkering)
- the type and size of the LNG transfer connections
- the ESD systems.

Limiting ambient conditions

The limits of ambient conditions (weather, wind, sea state, currents) in which the
bunkering operation can be safely performed are to be clearly stated.

Before starting the bunkering operations, the Person in Charge (PIC) of the
bunkering is to ensure that the forecast for weather, wind, sea state and currents are
acceptable to ensure safe conditions until the completion of the bunkering
operations.

The bunkering operations can be started only if the PIC deems that the ambient
conditions are acceptable. The PIC has also the responsibility to decide to proceed
with, or to stop, the bunkering operation in case of sudden change of ambient
conditions.

If ambient conditions are suddenly getting worse during the bunkering operations, the
limits beyond which bunkering operations in progress have to be stopped should also
be stated.

Lighting conditions
The minimum lighting conditions necessary for the bunkering operation are to be
stated.

Where bunkering operations are carried out during night time, sufficient lighting is to
be provided in way of the bunkering area. The lighting system is to be so arranged as
to provide sufficient lighting, in particular:
- at any loading flange
- ESD system call points
- Communication systems
- Fire-fighting equipment
- Passage ways / gangways intended to be used by the personnel in charge of the
bunkering operation
- Vent masts.

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Safety instructions
Detailed safety instructions are to be prepared, addressing the different cases of
failures, malfunctions or external events (such as sudden change in the ambient
conditions) that may occur during the bunkering process, as identified in the safety
analysis and HAZOP referred to in Annex 3.

Personnel are required to have a good knowledge of the safety instruction content.
The training program of the personnel involved in the bunkering is to be established
accordingly.

The safety instructions should cover at least:

- Sudden change of ambient / sea conditions
- Loss of power (receiving ship or bunkering facility)
- Loss of monitoring / control / safety systems (ESD)
- Loss of communication
- Abnormal operating parameters.

Safety check-lists
Specific check-lists covering all safety aspects of the bunkering operation are to be
developed by the receiving ship operator in conjunction with the bunker facility
organization. They should comply with the check-lists provided in ISO/DTS 18683 :
Guidelines for systems and installations for supply of LNG as fuel to ships.

The check-lists are to be in agreement with those issued by the Port Authorities.

Fire-fighting equipment
The fire-fighting equipment required to be available during the bunkering operation is
to be stated. This applies to:
- the receiving ship
- the bunkering facility
- the hazardous and safety zones (see C above).

Instructions for bunkering operations

Instructions for bunkering operations are to be prepared. They have to detail all the
tasks to be carried out.

Instructions for bunkering should address at least the following items:

Before connecting the LNG / vapour transfer system

- Instructions for mooring
- Instructions for grounding or isolation
- Instructions for checking the integrity (visual inspection) of the transfer system
- Instructions for connecting and checking ESD system
- Instructions for connecting and checking means of communications
- Instructions for various miscellaneous safety systems (check satisfactory
operation) : water curtain, ventilation of the ship bunkering station, gas
detection systems.

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Connection of the transfer system

- Instructions for handling the transfer system
- Instructions for installing and connecting hoses (e.g. minimum bending radius to
be observed, installation of the emergency-release coupling, etc.).

Preliminary operations
- Instructions for inerting
- Instructions for visual inspection
- Instructions for testing the tightness of the transfer system assembly.

Starting bunkering
- Instruction for controlling valves
- Instructions for cooling-down the bunkering lines
- Instructions for the LNG transfer itself.

During bunkering
- Instructions for monitoring the operating parameters
- Instructions for controlling the transfer rate
- Instruction for topping-up.

Stopping bunkering
- Instructions for stopping the pump, controlling valves.

After bunkering
- Instructions for LNG draining
- Instructions for depressurization
- Instructions for purging / inerting the transfer system
- Instructions for disconnecting and handling the transfer system
- Instructions for storing the transfer hose.

D) Safety conditions to be fulfilled before each bunkering operation

Ambient conditions within the permissible limits

Check that the ambient conditions are within the permissible limits.

Delimitation of the safety zone

Set the boundaries of the safety zone.

Put in place signboards with warning instructions

The safety instructions are to be readily available or displayed in way of the
bunkering area.

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Signboards warning against the risks of fire / explosion (no smoking, no naked lights,
no mobile phones, no cameras, etc.), injury by contact with cold LNG and inhalation
of gas are to be posted:
- around the ship hazardous area
- around the bunkering facility hazardous area

The location of the signboards is to be clearly indicated on a dedicated plan.

ESD systems are to be connected and tested for proper operation.

Fire-fighting equipment is to be available.

Communication equipment is to be tested for proper operation.

Other safety systems are to be in operation

This concerns systems such as: removable drip trays with drain, water curtain,
ventilation of the bunkering station, gas detection, etc.

Disable / de-energize non-certified electrical equipment located in hazardous

zone
The electrical equipment located in hazardous zone and not certified for use in such
areas is to be de-energized.

Grounding connections are to be made

E) Safety conditions to be observed during the bunkering operation

Check that operating parameters are within the permissible range

- Pressure, temperature, level in the receiving tank
- Transfer flow rate

Check that the ambient conditions remain within permissible limits

F) Safety conditions to be observed after the bunkering operation

Check that the LNG transfer system is properly drained, depressurized, purged
and inerted before disconnection

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ANNEX 3 - Guidelines for safety assessment

1. Objectives
The objective of the safety assessment is to demonstrate that the systems and
installations for LNG bunkering and their operations are designed and planned so to
provide a sufficient safety level.

2. Method
The safety analysis is to be developed in accordance with ISO/TS 18683.

The flowchart representing the process is as follows:

The safety assessment should be complemented with an HAZOP (Hazard and

Operability) assessment after all safeguards have been implemented.

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3. Content of the safety assessment

The safety assessment should include, but is not limited to:

- Design and operation specifications

- Communication on project to Port Authorities.

If there are no simultaneous operations or deviations from minimum functional

requirements and from scenario defined in ISO/TS 18683:
- Hazard identification with all parties (HAZID)
- List of design recommendations to be observed
- Safety and exclusion zones calculated as per ISO/TS 18683
- (Re)definition of design and operational process
- Hazard and Operability with all parties (HAZOP)
- List of procedural recommendations to be observed
- Emergency planning session with all parties and Port representatives
- Permit.
If there are simultaneous operations or deviations from minimum functional
requirement or from scenario defined in ISO/TS 18683:
- Hazard identification, including simultaneous operations, with all parties (HAZID)
- List of design recommendations to be observed
- Bow-Tie analysis : Medium and Major class scenario definition (ISO DTS 16901)
- Accepted Safety Level definition
- Safety and security zones calculated as per ISO/TS 18683
- Consequence studies; Explosion / Dispersion / Fire ; Domino effect
- Consequence analysis: Risk criteria; safety distances; safe arrangement; safe
weather
- Frequency analysis - LOPA/ SIL analysis of critical systems with respect to Bow-
Tie analysis
- (Re)definition of design and operational process
- Hazard and Operability with all parties (HAZOP)
- List of procedural recommendations to be observed
- Emergency planning session with all parties and Port representatives
- Permit.
Note: Simultaneous operations are to be considered when the following operations
are intended to be carried out simultaneously with the bunkering operations:
- Engine running
- Cargo handling
- Passenger embarking / disembarking
- Dangerous goods loading / unloading
- Chemical products handling
- Other low-flash point products handling.

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Simultaneous operations should be investigated at least in a cylindrical volume

defined as follows:
- Horizontal base : area within 25 m from LNG bunkering piping / pumping systems
and bunkering station boundaries
- Vertical extent: limited by the height of the port cranes serving the a.m. area.

4. Scope of the HAZOP analysis

Additional safety measures applicable to bunkering operations should be undertaken
based upon a HAZOP in accordance with ISO 16901 and shall include but are not
limited to:
- Joining together of the emergency shutdown systems of the BFO, RSO and
transfer system involved
- Emergency procedures in the event of abnormal operations
- Leakage of hoses
- Overpressure of the containment system
- Emergency unmooring
- Emergency venting of vapour
- Additional protection for the vessel hulls in case of cargo leakage in way of the
manifolds
- Emergency shut down and quick release protocol
- Requirements for outside assistance such as tugs
- The following phases are to be analysed:
Connection
Inerting of relevant pipe sections
Cooling down
Transfer start
Transfer at nominal flow
Transfer stop including topping-up
Draining
Inerting
Disconnection.

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ANNEX 4 Guidelines for developing a Management Plan

for emergency situations

1. Objectives
The objective of the Management Plan for emergency situations is to list the different
emergency situations which may occur and to describe, for each of them, the course
of actions to be undertaken.

2. Content
The Management Plan is to cover all emergency situations identified in the HAZOP
analysis. The following situations at least are to be addressed:
- LNG leakage and spill on the receiving ship, on the bunkering facility or on the
LNG transfer system
- Gas detection
- Fire in the bunkering area (e.g. starting from the tank truck)
- Unexpected loosening of mooring lines
- Unexpected moving of the tank-truck
- Unexpected venting on the receiving ship or on the bunkering facility.

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