Alpha Process Controls, part of the GT Group, said it has expanded its manufacturing and testing facilities to increase capacity for production of its LNG marine emergency release couplings used during STS LNG bunkering.
APC said in its statement it is increasing the production capacity to cater for its recent contracts awarded by European and South American operators, and for future needs of the industry as the use of LNG as fuel increases.
The new facilities include a new cryogenic testing area and training facilities for industry engineers and technicians.
According to APC, the Cryogenic Testing Area utilises a 2000 litre liquid nitrogen storage facility, enabling APC to ensure its ERC couplings are tested to temperatures of minus 196 degrees centigrade, which is much lower than the typical bunkering temperatures during LNG STS transfers.