LNG bunkering safety audit tool developed

Port of Amsterdam said a tool distinguishing the responsibilities of bunker facilities operators related to liquefied natural gas bunkering operations has been developed. 

Image courtesy of Port of Amsterdam

The tool has been developed in consultation with the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), Titan LNG, Bureau Veritas, Shell, NYK and Carnival Corporation.

Speaking of the tool, Peter Alkema, chairman of the working group entrusted with the tool development said, “First, the tool supports port authorities to carry out the decision-making process relating to granting permits to LNG bunker facility operators in their ports in a uniform manner. Secondly, the tool gives collaborating ports, which are members of the IAPH, the opportunity to share audit results and information on a BFO’s safety performance.”

As a result, a port does not have to go through the entire audit process again if a BFO has been audited before.

The first ship-to-ship LNG bunker facilities are now being realized in ports, including the Port of Amsterdam where Titan LNG will locate with bunker ship Flexfueler 001 late this year, the port’s statement reads.

Alkema added that with the knowledge acquired can be later applied to alternative fuels such as hydrogen and methanol.