Spain: SENER designs new ship-to-ship LNG bunkering vessel

The SENER technology and engineering Group has developed its own design of a LNG bunkering vessel, in which SENER has applied the knowledge acquired throughout more than 40 years of activity in design, construction and operation of regasification plants, as well as in the design of Floating Regasification and Storage Units (FSRU).

Since 2006, the marine industry of the north of Europe is subject to the emissions control regulations typical of this geographic area and, therefore, has developed experience in the bunkering of small-scale vessels. The new Sulphur and Nitrates Emission Control Area (SECA/NECA), regulated by MARPOL, has promoted the use of the LNG as fuel for the propulsion of ships sailing frequently in this zones and harbour areas. Spain, having an important LNG plants network operating along its coasts cannot be left behind in the development of this technology.

The SENER design follows the tendencies for 2030 required by operators and ship-owners. The result is a Ship To Ship (STS) LNG bunkering vessel, with IMO type C LNG cargo tanks at 4,5 bar and -163ºC, which reduces to a minimum the steam generated in the tanks (BOG – Boil Off Generated), anyway a BOG management system has been incorporated, to process the BOG generated in the transfer process. This storage system allows greater flexibility of operation, reducing the effect of the wave inside the tank, sloshing, thus allowing partial loads.

The vessel is designed for navigation, maneuverability and operation in adverse meteorological conditions, including Unrestricted Navigation notation. The propulsion uses LNG as fuel, with type C tanks on deck. Likewise, it includes last generation articulated arms designed for the STS bunkering process, with a high level of automation and control, including innovating measuring system to obtain the maximum accuracy in the measurement of the transference rate, and complying with the regulations of SIGTTO, OCIMF and IGC, among others.

https://www.ngvjournal.com/sener-designs-new-ship-to-ship-lng-bunkering-vessel/