Bunkering of LNG Fueled Marine Vessels in North America

The effect of increasingly stricter air emissions legislation implemented through International Maritime Organization (IMO) Annex VI and other local air quality controls, together with favorable financial conditions for the use of natural gas instead of liquid fuel oil as a bunker fuel, is increasing the number of marine vessel owners that are considering the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel.

Existing United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations address the design, equipment, operations and training of personnel on vessels that carry LNG as cargo in bulk and address fueling systems for boil-off gas used on LNG carriers. The use of LNG as fuel for ships other than those carrying LNG as cargo is a relatively new concept in North America. 

The report, Bunkering of Liquefied Natural Gas-Fueled Marine Vessels in North America, was developed by ABS and ABS Group to assist LNG stakeholders in implementing the existing and planned regulatory framework for LNG bunkering. This study helps owners and operators of gas-fueled vessels, LNG bunkering vessels and waterfront bunkering facilities by providing information and recommendations to address North American (US and Canada) federal regulations, state, provincial and port requirements, international codes and standards.

Because LNG has different hazards than traditional fuel oil, operators must clearly understand the risks involved with LNG bunkering. An assessment of various bunkering operations and the associated hazards and risks is provided in the report. Templates are also provided for stakeholders to use in conducting appropriate hazards identification and analysis.

Details on LNG production in the US and Canada and LNG sources in various geographic regions provide an overview of the current North American infrastructure to support LNG bunkering operations. Local regulations are widely varied in maturity and content. To assist stakeholders in planning and execution of LNG bunkering projects, this study provides a structured process for implementing an LNG project with regard to seeking compliance with local regulations.