By Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Hillenbrand
The Liquefied Gas Carrier National Center of Expertise (LGC NCOE) is one of six NCOEs nationwide focusing on providing consultation and technical services to the marine industry and Coast Guard on matters related to liquefied gas carriers; assist Coast Guard units with foreign gas carrier examinations; provide training opportunities to the Coast Guard and industry; and provide technical expertise to the development of regulations and policy.
Current Projects
The LGC NCOE projects that liquefied gas carrier arrivals to the U.S. will grow from approximately 1,000 a year to 3,800 as proposed LNG export facilities gain federal and state approval and complete construction. To meet this projected demand, the LGC NCOE is working closely with Coast Guard Headquarters, Force Readiness Command, and local units to ensure proper and timely training and personnel qualifications are being accomplished.
The LGC NCOE is also actively engaged in LNG as a marine fuel and LNG bunkering. There are currently 10 dual-fuel vessels under construction or scheduled for construction. The LGC NCOE has been actively following construction of vessels in Mississippi and California.
Current Policy
Coast Guard policy currently being drafted include CG-OES Policy Letter 01-14 Guidelines for LNG Fuel Transfer Operations and Training of Personnel on Vessels Using Natural Gas as Fuel and CG-OES Policy Letter 02-14 Guidance Related to Vessels and Waterfront Facilities Conducting LNG Marine Fuel Transfer (Bunkering) Operations. Policy letter CG-01-12 Equivalency Determination "Design Criteria for Natural Gas Fuel Systems" was approved and has been enforce since 2012.
The International Maritime Organization’s current guidance concerning LNG-fueled vessels is Resolution MSC.258 (86), "Interim Guidelines on Safety for Natural Gas-Fuelled Engine Installations in Ships." This IMO guideline is in force until the new International Code of Safety for Gas-Fueled Ships (IGF Code) is approved, which is expected in 2017.
Visit the LGC NCOE’s webpage for useful information such as guidance for using LNG as a marine fuel, notices and safety alerts specific to liquefied gas carriers and other relevant information and resources.
Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Hillenbrand was a speaker and panelist representing the LGC NCOE at the The Future of Marine Fuels: Emission Control Area and Liquefied Natural Gas Conference in San Pedro, Calif., on Dec. 4.
