DNV GL has developed a new class notation for gas bunker vessels that ensures safe fuel transfer operations from one ship to another.
Until now, the development of standards guiding gas fuel transfer operations in ports has lagged behind, as the maritime industry focussed on developing standards for gas fuelled ships rather than bunkering arrangements. The new notation addresses safety concerns in this field and covers gas bunker vessels design and additional requirements to support the development of gas fuelled shipping and bunker operations in ports. The rules are flexible and include a variety of gas fuels as well as the configuration of bunker transfer systems.
Many port authorities still deem ship-to-ship bunker operations as being too risky and oppose efforts to increase the availability of gas fuels in ports. However, in places with limited infrastructure and with demands for short turn-over times in ports, flexible ship-to-ship bunkering transfer operations are an efficient solution.
DNV GL’s new class notation outlines requirements for liquefied gas carriers and barges that are equipped for carrying liquefied gas and supplying it to gas fuelled ships on a regular basis.
Gas Ready Notation
DNV GL has also developed a Gas Ready notation for owners looking to prepare their vessel for a potential conversion to LNG operation at the newbuilding stage. The notation helps owners ensure that their vessels are verifiably in compliance with all safety and operational requirements to meet the applicable global as well as class standards for gas fuelled operations. It also supports owners in specifying and quantifying the level of investment they need to make.
