Submitted by Lt. Cmdr. Eric Hanson, LGC NCOE

The Coast Guard’s Liquefied Gas Carrier National Center of Expertise (LGC NCOE) coordinated a three day LNG as Fuel Marine Inspector Training for future inspectors of LNG fueled vessels.

The LGC NCOE, with support from industry and regulatory agencies, along with the Coast Guard’s Office of Design & Engineering Standards and the Marine Safety Center (MSC) provided Coast Guard Marine Inspectors from across the U.S. with an in-depth understanding of LNG fueled engines, bunkering evolutions, risk analysis, containment systems, vessel operations, plan review and firefighting/vapor suppression techniques.

The training’s project coordinator, Lt. Jessica Galarza of the LGC NCOE, said in her remarks, “Liquefied gas as fuel for vessels is no longer a novel idea. Industry continues to recognize the need and, foremost, the positive impact it has. LNG as a marine fuel is here to stay.”

The team of LNG as Fuel specialists assembled for the training was made up of representatives from across the industry and regulatory spectrum including ABS’s Consulting Team, GTT North America, Chart Industries, Conrad Orange Shipyard, Pivotal LNG, Harvey Gulf International, Rina Classification Society, and Texas A&M’s Emergency Services Training Institute, among others. The training provided classroom instruction, exercises, demonstrations, and a visit to the first U.S. LNG bunker barge. Those who attended will use the training to inspect LNG fueled vessels being constructed and/or operated in ports around the country. There are already several LNG fueled vessels operating within the U.S., with additional vessels under construction for domestic service.

“Liquefied gas as a fuel is still new for Coast Guard marine inspectors,” Galarza said. “We need to work with our staff and industry professionals to determine how to best scrutinize these complex systems.”

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.

For more information on the LGC NCOE, visit their website.

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.