Safe extension of LNG bunkering and storage
RINA has been awarded a framework contract from the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to support initiatives to increase the availability of LNG in the medium term with small-scale bunkering and depots to expand the use of this fuel throughout the Mediterranean, the black region and the Caspian. Seas.
This important strategic project aims to reduce the environmental impact by making LNG more widely available for a variety of uses, including ferries, cruise ships and tourism activities, as well as to promote the road supply chain of the LNG. RINA will provide a flexible selection of services dealing with safety and feasibility to meet the needs of the project in different locations.
Angelo Lo Nigro, Senior Director of Energy Engineering Solutions at RINA, said: “LNG is an important fuel on the road to decarbonization. The services we will provide under the framework agreement with EMSA will help make LNG storage and bunkering available in port areas and will also bring consistency and guidance to economically developing countries that have yet to solid experience in small-scale LNG. “
The services provided by RINA will help port authorities to determine which locations are feasible, both in terms of safety and technical and financial viability, to install small-scale LNG bunkering or depot facilities. RINA provides a total of eight different services, from which each port authority can choose according to its objectives. Activities include analysis of gaps in the regulatory framework and assessment of applicable standards, feasibility study, definition of risk acceptance criteria, site analysis, nautical analysis, identification of hazards, quantitative risk assessment and study of the risk of collision with ships. , where there is a gap in the LNG infrastructure, access to a high level of qualified advice, regulatory compliance and safety. Increasing the number of ports with LNG refueling capacity will help support the wider adoption of this more environmentally friendly fuel and comply with MARPOL regulations.
Lo Nigro continued: “This contract will help reduce the capacity gap between countries and ensure a coherent, efficient and uniform implementation of international rules on safety, maritime security and prevention of pollution from ships. in the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
The framework contract will run for four years and currently covers 22 countries in the detailed regions. EMSA may add other countries during the term of the agreement.
Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/tanks-terminals/09082021/safely-expanding-lng-bunkering-and-storage/