U.S. Coast Guard Releases Draft LNG Fueling Guidelines

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking public comment on two draft policy letters providing LNG vessel fueling guidance which were made available on Friday.

The first draft policy letter provides voluntary guidance for LNG fuel transfer operations on vessels using natural gas as fuel in U.S. waters, and training of personnel on those vessels.

It recommends transfer and personnel training measures that will achieve a level of safety that is at least equivalent to that provided for traditional fueled vessels. It would apply to vessels equipped to receive LNG for use as fuel, but not to vessels carrying LNG as cargo that use boil-off gas as fuel, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The second draft policy letter discusses voluntary guidance and existing regulations applicable to vessels and waterfront facilities conducting LNG marine fuel transfer (bunkering) operations. The second draft policy letter provides voluntary guidance on safety, security, and risk assessment measures which will ensure safe LNG bunkering operations, it added.

The guidelines can be found here.

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LNG World News Staff, February 11, 2014; Image: U.S. Coast Guard