USCG Guides Simultaneous Operations During LNG Fuel Transfer

LNG bunkering in port (Image: TOTE Maritime)

The United States Coast Guard’s Office of Operating and Environmental Standards (CG-OES) issued a policy letter late June this year, providing guidance for evaluating Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) during Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Fuel Transfer Operations at waterfront facilities.

The policy letter provides guidance to Coast Guard Captains of the Port (COTPs) considering safety issues associated with SIMOPS while conducting LNG fuel transfer operations.

In the period leading up to the commencement of LNG bunkering, COTPs should ideally determine whether SIMOPS are intended, and if so, examine the relevant Operations Manuals and the Emergency Procedures Manuals for related content. There is a reasonable expectation to be present therein a description of the scope of intended SIMOPS with specific procedures to mitigate any safety or security concerns (and response and containment measures) that may attend the more dynamic activity in the marine transfer area.

Knowledge sharing a key to safe operations

It is further proposed that collection and collation of processes and procedures (including risk de-escalation) be made available to the maritime industry as a means for demonstrating that SIMOPS can be conducted safely and securely.

Such information should also be shared with the managers of LNG transfer operations and LNG bunkering services, to encourage broad-based development of optimum safety and security measures, and presumably, a building of industry knowledge for best practices.

This article prepared based on CG-OES Policy Letter No. 01-17, available for download from USCG website. 

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