The Coast Guard’s Liquefied Gas Carrier National Center of Expertise (LGC NCOE) sponsored a service-wide webinar on cryogenic hoses which was presented by Gutteling America.   Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is an important part of America’s energy resources. The LGC NCOE’s purpose is to promote collaboration across the Coast Guard and industry on liquefied gas safety, security and environmental policies.

Last week’s webinar provided just-in-time training as we see an increased use of cryogenic hoses through the maritime industry from large scale ship-to-ship transfers to small scale LNG bunkering operations.

Capt. Andrew Tucci, office chief for the Office of Port & Facility Compliance, kicked off the presentation.

“The interest in this topic with personnel attending both in person down in Port Arthur, TX and via webinar from units around the country, is a reflection of the increase in natural gas throughout the U.S. and global energy mix, and subsequent transport and use within the shipping community,” said Tucci. “It is critical that Coast Guard vessel inspectors, facility examiners and pollution responders all understand the technical components used in this often complex industry. The Coast Guard is thankful for the support equipment manufacturers, like Gutteling for providing in-house training to keep the organization up-to-date in this ever changing environment.”

This session was presented by Mr. Rudi den Dulk, Managing Director of Gutteling Americas.   The presentation provided an overview of design, use, proper handling and inspection of cryogenic hoses. In addition, the presentation touched on ongoing projects, hose certification and testing and common failures to watch out for.

The audience asked if the Coast Guard will have enough trained inspectors at the ports where they are needed.

“The Coast Guard’s senior leadership has established an energy action plan that provides a way forward to ensure we can meet the industry’s needs,” said Tucci. “Today’s webinar is a perfect example of how the Coast Guard is cross-training its existing workforce in preparation for this energy renaissance.“

LGC NCOE

The LGC NCOE is one of six nationwide national centers of expertise focusing on providing industry specific consultation and services to the Coast Guard and maritime industry. The LGC NCOE provides technical advice on matters related to liquefied gas in the maritime community; liquefied gas training and outreach opportunities; liquefied gas workforce forecasting and performance development; and technical expertise for the establishment of local and national liquefied gas guidance, policy and regulations.

The LGC NCOE works with the private sector to provide bi-monthly liquefied gas webinars in order to train Coast Guard vessel inspectors, facility examiners, pollution responders, security, waterways management personnel and planners from around the country on the growing liquefied gas industry.

For more information on the LGC NCOE, visit their website at www.uscg.mil/lgcncoe.

This blog is not a replacement or substitute for the formal posting of regulations and updates or existing processes for receiving formal feedback of the same. Links provided on this blog will direct the reader to official source documents, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These documents remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.