Bureau Veritas publishes LNG Bunkering tanker requirements

Classification society Bureau Veritas has released its Rule Note NR 620 LNG Bunkering Ship, detailing new requirements for vessels involved in the transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). These rules apply to ships that carry LNG and will subsequently supply it as fuel to other vessels.

The published requirements address the design and installation of LNG transfer systems, including hoses, transfer arms, and associated auxiliary systems. They also cover the design and installation of the boil-off gas management and gas piping systems on the bunkering vessel, along with specific safety arrangements.

Bureau Veritas highlights that establishing a secure LNG bunkering chain is crucial for the widespread adoption of LNG as a marine fuel. The company anticipates that small-scale LNG bunker vessels will be instrumental in developing this supply chain and notes its significant involvement in classifying such vessels.

Vessels complying with these standards will receive the notation LNG Bunkering Ship. The rule note also introduces additional notations for services such as receiving LNG from a gas-fuelled ship, initial cooling of the receiving ship's fuel tanks, supplying inert gas and dry air, and managing boil-off gas from the receiving vessel.

Founded in 1828, Bureau Veritas is a global provider of testing, inspection, and certification services.