LR to provide LNG bunkering expertise to Portsmouth port

Lloyd’s Register is to identify technical specifications and develop operating procedures for safe LNG bunkering in Portsmouth International Port as the UK port seeks to establish the first LNG bunkering facility and hub in the country.

Lloyd’s Register’s Global Gas Technology Manager, Leonidas Karistios said: "Obviously with growing demand for LNG, ports are looking to understand how they can develop the capability to deliver LNG bunkering services safely. It has to be safety first and Portsmouth is looking to ensure that they have the right, safe, approach to support operational and commercial ambitions. With a city adjacent to the port, significant ferry traffic and a large naval presence, there are substantial and varied stakeholder aspects to be addressed."

Brittany Ferries’ latest gas-fuelled newbuild, which is scheduled for delivery in 2016, is set to bunker LNG at Portsmouth.

Kalvin Baugh, Deputy Ferry Port Manager, said: "With changes in the regulations governing emissions, it is clear that in the future more shipping will be fuelled by LNG. To help safeguard the port and meet the needs of our customers, Portsmouth International Port needs to be able to offer this facility. Safety is of course the main priority, and we are delighted that Lloyd’s Register has agreed to help us identify the technical specifications and operating procedures that will help to deliver this."

Guidance

Lloyd’s Register will provide Portsmouth Port with detailed guidance, including the following:

• Requirements for technical specifications of bunkering equipment.
• Helping to ensure that the right operational procedures are established.
• Helping to ensure that port safety and emergency planning is provided for.
• Helping to ensure that personnel competence can be developed effectively and put in place.

Planning for an LNG-fuelled future

Thanos Koliopulos, Global Special Projects Manager, said: "We can use experience gained in projects like Singapore Port and Viking Grace to apply real project experience to deliver advice for the planning and execution of LNG bunkering to both the port and its bunkering service providers. Particular attention is given to the effective planning and execution of the port’s main clients’ compatibility of operations and all technical aspects for bunker tanker and receiving ship’s facilities. We can help Portsmouth to get ready for real LNG bunkering operations, not only for ferry and short-sea shipping, but our global expertise and perspective can also help them to prepare for supporting LNG-fuelled deep sea shipping requirements."

Adapted from press release by Ted Monroe

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/10072014/lr_to_advance_lng_bunkering_at_portsmouth_international_port_952/