If you are in the business of importing oil and gas or marketing them to other countries or other parts of the world, you would know what LNG bunkering is.
What is LNG bunkering?
LNG bunkering is the process of refueling ships with liquefied natural gas or LNG, a cleaner burning fuel which does not emit harmful substances like nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and CO2. This is a process where the LNG is transferred from a bunker vessel to a tanker parked on the port, terminal at the shore side, or truck to the ship. The transfer of LNG is done using cryogenic pumps and easy and efficient connecting couplings to make the liquefied natural gas transfer safe.
How the process works?
You can transfer LNG from the port to vessel using the following methods:
- STS or ship-to-ship where a specialized ship fitted with bunkers pump the LNG to the adjacently moored ship. Special hoses are used to transfer the LNG
- Terminal to ship – the vessel is filled with LNG from a dock side terminal using pumps and loading arms
- Truck to ship – a tanker filled with LNG from the port directly pumps the fuel in to the vessel
It is important to place and activate safety norms because the concerned cargo is highly combustible or flammable. Special insulation and multilayered tankers and pipes are used. Leaks are not affordable in this operation because of the above said reason. Safety measures are also undertaken to save personnel working at the dock and in the ship. The zone around the STS operation is sealed to provide a safe environment for refueling the vessel.
Where STS fuel transfer is required?
The Ship to Ship transfer procedure to move liquid or gas fuel from one vessel to another is the standard norm when you want fuel transferred because of the following considerations:
- The ship to ship fuel transfer is safe and it can be done in the mid sea or places that have no or limited port facility for fuel transfer
- The STS cargo moving is done when a particular port is buzzing with activities and have no spare space or crew for additional ships
- Larger vessels do this mid-sea before entering shallow ports. The fuel transfer obviously reduces the volume of cargo the shop is carrying and become light enough to travel in shallow waters
If you want to avail LNG bunkering or STS services you can rely on the resources and expertise of Oceane Group, Dubai, UAE, top STS service provider and you can contact them on phone numbers +971 50 497 4021 | +971 (04) 834 7310 or send mail to operations@oceanemarine.com to avail their services.
