SIGTTO Issues New LNG STS Guidelines (UK)

SIGTTO’s new LNG Ship to Ship Transfer Guidelines have been published by Seamanship Witherby.

Ship-to-ship transfers of LNG have become increasingly commonplace in recent years, following the first commercial operation of this type in February 2007. There are now 10 LNG regasification vessels (LNGRVs) in service and these and other ships are often provided with cargoes by means of STS transfers. For example, the small-scale end of the LNG supply chain is currently expanding and STS operations to supply small LNG ships are likely to figure more prominently in the years ahead.

SIGTTO has developed the LNG Ship to Ship Transfer Guidelines to offer guidance to the masters and operators of vessels undertaking STS transfers of LNG. The Society points out that when following this guidance, due consideration should also be given to the specific procedures contained within a ship operator’s safety management system (SMS) and any other relevant references.

The titles and format of the SIGTTO LNG STS document are aligned with those in Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF)/International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) publication Ship to Ship Transfer Guide (Petroleum) 4th Edition, which should be referenced for additional information.

These SIGTTO guidelines cover side-by-side STS transfer operations involving commercially trading LNG carriers at anchor, alongside a shore jetty or while underway. The guidance applies to seagoing ships and may also be useful for reference when establishing rules and procedures for transfer operations between seagoing ships and LNGRVs or LNG floating storage and offloading vessels (FSOs) in inshore waters.

Another gas carrier STS guide is currently the subject of attention. The established Ship to Ship Transfer Guide (Liquefied Gases), which principally deals with LPG cargoes, is being revised. The updated document will be formatted in a similar manner to the LNG STS document in that sections which are common to all gas carrier and oil tanker STS operations, such as ship handling, will reference the OCIMF/ ICS Ship to Ship Transfer Guide (Petroleum) publication.

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Source: SIGGTO News, Issue 25, Spring 2011-05-02, May 2, 2011;