LNG Tanker :

Hazards

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Health Hazard-General.

• All gas tankers designed in such a manner that,

in normal operations – personnel need at no time
be exposed to hazards form the products being
transported.

• This presupposes that the ship and her

equipment are properly maintained and that
operating instructions are strictly observed at all
times.

• However in the event of “unavoidable situations”

personnel may be exposed to products

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Liquefied Gases Health Hazards

• Asphyxia (oxygen)
• Cryogenic / Low temperature
• Flammability

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Asphyxia

• O2 deficiency can occur due to displacement by

cargo vapor/ IG / Oxidation (rusting) / Microbial
activity.

• Body requires O2 content 21% BV, for normal

breathing .

• The susceptibility of Individual to reduced O2

levels vary, but at below 19.5%BV “problems”
start.

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Asphyxia

• Victim may not recognize danger, confused and

judgment impaired.
• Brain depleted of O2 for solid 4 minutes
• Victim will suffer “permanent brain damage”

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Cold Burns (Frost bite)

• Skin contact with very cold stuffs will cause cold

burns

• “Cold burns” as for “Hot burns”, extremely painful

in the affected area + cause
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Possibly fainting
• Shock

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First-Aid Treatment

First – Aid procedures for accidents involving cargo

are given in the

• ICS Cargo Data Sheets (‘health data’)

• IMO MFAG
• Cargo Operating Manuals
• Shipper’s advice info

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Medical Treatment

Asphyxia

Symptoms
• Increased rate/ depth of respiration
• Cyanosis
• Difficult to breath
• Loss of consciousness
• Respiratory center paralysis

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Medical Treatment

Asphyxia

Treatment
• Remove from exposure
• Mouth to mouth resuscitation (if required)
• CPR (if required)
• Loosen cloths
• No alcohol drinks
• Keep at rest
• Seek medical advice

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Medical Treatment

Cold burns (Frost bite)

Symptoms
• Affected part color change (red – white)
• Numbness at the affected part – no pain
• Hard (touch)
• Blisters emerge

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Medical Treatment

Cold burns (Frost bite)

Treatment
• Remove from exposure
• NO massage
• Warm affected part - Hand or Woolen
materials
• Affected part – place in warm water (42°C)
or wrap casualty in blankets

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Medical Treatment

Cold burns (Frost bite)

• Encourage exercise the part

• Do not cut / open blisters
• Do not remove sticking cloths
• Cover entire affected area with sterile
dressings

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Medical Treatment

Any sort of exposure

Regardless of any sort of exposure, even

after proper first aid treatment – the victim
shall be taken and seen by a Doctor ASAP
and follow up check ups shall be made if/as
required.

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Overall Exposure Approach

The overall approach in the avoidance of hazards to

personnel safety shall always be in order, through
training and exposure to nature; which is descending
preference
• Hazard removal
• Hazard control
• Reliance on personal awareness/protection

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LNG Operation Hazards

Structural Damage

• LNG spill can cause damage to an “unprotected”,

steel deck or any other part of the ship’s/plant’s
structure not protected by aluminium, cryogenic
stainless steel or nickel steel and results “brittle
fracture”.
• This crack is due to coldness and uneven rate of
contraction of the spilled surface. (SIGTTO, 2002)
Brittle Fracture caused by leakage of LNG
LNG Operation Hazards

Rollover

• Stored LNG can gain heat from outside due to

imperfect insulation and causes it to “boil-off”.
• The LNG on top, close to surface will boils-off
faster than the LNG at the bottom; thus creating
layers with different relative densities.
• When two or more layers of LNG of differing
densities exist in a same containment, the
interface between them prevents the (normally)
existing convection currents that “circulate” the
stored LNG.
LNG Operation Hazards

Rollover

• The boil-off stops at the lower part of the tank.

The difference in density between the top and
bottom continues to increase.
• At the peak of differences, the two liquids will
suddenly “reverse”. It results a spontaneous rapid
mixing of the layers; violent vapor generated.
• Pressure inside the tank can and will suddenly
rise and the tank will release a large amount of
vapor. (Vaudolon, 2000) (SIGTTO, 2004)
LNG Operation Hazards

Consequences of Ingress from the Sea - RPT

• A rapid mixing of LNG at cryogenic temperatures with
much warmer sea water will induce the phenomenon of
"rapid phase transition", or RPT.
• RPT describes a process in which the LNG translates
from a liquid to gaseous state at a greatly accelerated
rate
• Experiments suggest RPT will be accompanied by a rapid
release of energy in the form of violent non-flammable
shocks, energetic enough to threaten the integrity of
adjacent structures

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 Emergency Shut
Down System ( ESDS )
- Overview

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 Introduction for ESD System

During LNG cargo operations, either when loading or

discharging, it is important that the operation can be quickly
suspended automatically or manually in the event of an
emergency.

Typical emergency situations are:

LNG leakage on ship or shore.
Cargo tank over-filling if loading
Shore tank over-filling.
Fire on ship or shore.
Excessive movement of ship.

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 Introduction for ESD System

Rules & Regulations:

Emergency shutdown
valves, cargo pumps
and compressors: IMO
IGC Code Ch 5.6,

Overflow control: IMO IGC

Code Ch 13.3

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 Overview & Typical ESDS
ESD system is :
-To isolate all emergency related systems into a safe state
automatically,
-Capable of being manually and automatically initiate by
shutting down cargo transfer and isolating cargo storage in
a surge-free fashion.

The requirement of the cargo Emergency Shutdown (ESD)

system are to stop cargo liquid and vapour flow in the
event of an emergency and to bring the cargo handling
system to a safe, static condition.

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 Overview & Typical ESDS
ESD will normally be initiated by one of the following:

• Manual activation by personnel using the ESD

pushbuttons
• Blackout of the ship
• Shore activation of their ESD system
• Fusible links around each tank domes, manifold and
compressor house in case of fire
• Cargo tank Very High level alarm
• Low tank pressure
• Hold/cargo tank differential pressure
• Low control air pressure
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 Overview & Typical ESDS

The initiation of ESD will lead to the following:

•All ESD manifold loading valves will close

•The gas compressors will trip
•The main discharge and spray pumps will trip
•All shore pumps will trip
•Master gas valve to engine room will close
•Inert gas generator will trip

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 Ship/Shore interface for ESDS

-Both the ship and the shore facility have an

automatic ESD system.
-Before loading begins, the two ESD systems should
be connected to recognize an ESD situation of
each other.
-Ship/shore communicator may employ pneumatic,
electrical or optical signaling methods to create
links between ship and shore.

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 Overview & Typical ESDS

Manual push button for ESDS :

-Used by a ship personnel to initiate the ESD action
for an emergency situation.

-Installed at the following locations:

•Cargo tank liquid domes
•Manifolds
•Forward area
•CCR Console
•Wheelhouse (some ships)

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 Emergency release systems (ERS)
 A second stage emergency shut-down system in addition to
the first stage emergency shut-down system

 Hard arms provided with an over-travel alarm system. The

physical disconnection is achieved by means of a Powered
Emergency Release Coupler (PERC) installed in each hard
arm.

 An alarm is actuated when the arm approaches

predetermined limits (based upon movements of the ship at
the berth). If the arm continues its movement (in excess of
the predetermined limits), a second alarm may be sounded
and, the arm will automatically disconnect from the ship with
insignificant spillage of cargo.

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 Emergency release systems (ERS)

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 Emergency release systems (ERS)

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 Emergency Management
- Overview

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 What is emergency management?
Emergency Management is a dynamic process of
• Preparing for,
• Responding to,
• Mitigating and
• Recovering from an emergency
It includes
• Planning,
• Training,
• Testing of equipment,
• Coordinating activities,
• Conducting Drills, Practices, Exercises
• Review for Continual Improvement.

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 Best Protection When Disaster Strikes

• Knowing WHAT to do,

• HOW to do,
• WHEN to do,
• FOLLOW UP,
• FOLLOW THROUGH
Doing the right things right, the first time, on
time, every time with the right attitude, with
minimum cost.

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 Sources of ignition onboard liquefied gas
carriers -Fire hazards and precautions

Smoking

Smoking can only be permitted under controlled

conditions, the captain will decide when and
where smoking is allowed, obey all instructions
about smoking, never smoke outside on the open
deck.
The designated smoking places on a gas carrier
must be known to the crew, and when in port
should be agreed in writing between the master
and the terminal representative before cargo
operations start.
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 Sources of ignition onboard liquefied gas
carriers -Fire hazards and precautions
(1) Naked lights, matches, electric heaters, electric iron and the
like shall not be used in areas other than the designated
places.

(2) Portable electrical equipment should not be used outside of

accommodation spaces.

Hand phones, electronic calculators, tape recorders, cameras

and other non-approved battery powered equipment should
not be used on the tank deck or wherever flammable vapor
may be encountered.

If the equipment is only to be used on the tank deck, explosion-

proof and other types of certified safe equipment can be
used. Only approved safety torches or hand lamps should be
used.
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 Sources of ignition onboard liquefied gas
carriers -Fire hazards and precautions
(3) Radio Transmitter, RADAR, VHF and radiating any
signals

Main radio transmitters should not be used and the main

aerials should be earthed during cargo operations because
energy may be induced into conducting objects in the radio
wave field. This energy can be sufficient to create a spark if
discontinuity occurs.

If it is necessary to operate the ship’s radio in port for

maintenance etc., the agreement of the terminal and port
authorities should be sought.

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 Major leaks from LNG tanks/ pipeline

Following actions recommended in an emergency:

i)Watch keeper patrolling deck to advise CCR as soon as cargo is

seen leaking (major liquid leak)
ii)Activate ESDS immediately. Stop cargo operations.
iii) Activate general alarm and advise by public address nature of
incident and location
iv) Sound predefined signals in order to warn Terminal
v) Check for any injuries or fatalities
vi) Treat injured people, and evacuate them as necessary. Advise
agent/terminal if external medical assistance is required

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 Major leaks from LNG tanks/ pipeline

vii) Advise terminal the nature of incident and present situation

viii) Activate water Spray system on tank domes, manifolds,
accommodation, compressor house in order to protect steel and
vaporize the liquid
ix) Prepare fixed Dry Powder Fire Extinguishing System in case
fire occurs due to external ignition source or static electricity
x) Consider - disconnect loading arms. Activation of PERC
xi) Consider - leave the jetty / terminal. Tugs/pilot required
xii) Inform Owners, Insurance, P&I, Local Authorities

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 LNG fire
From a fire fighting viewpoint, LNG/cold vapor fires have the
characteristics of both liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon fires.

The procedure for fighting these fires is:

1.Isolate the source of leak, stop loading, and shut all manifold
valves.
2.Sound the alarm.
3.Provide protection for adjacent equipment and for fire-fighters.
4.Attack fire with a maximum rate of application of dry powder.
Do not agitate the surface of any pool of LNG.
5.Remain on guard against possible re-ignition

A warning when tackling an LNG fire is that water should not be

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used directly, as this will accelerate vaporization of the liquid.
LNG - TERMINAL & SHIP CARGO
HANDLING

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LNG - TERMINAL & SHIP CARGO HANDLING

Environmental Pollution

All safeguards shall be taken to ensure that no

environmental pollution is caused which could be
deemed as a danger, a nuisance, an annoyance or
ecologically damaging by the port or terminal
authorities. Without limitation the following points
shall be observed whilst the ship is within the port
limits:

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LNG - TERMINAL & SHIP CARGO HANDLING

Ship/Shore Safety Checklist

A safety inspection shall be conducted jointly by

Safety Officers of the port, Chief Officer of the ship
and Terminal Supervisor prior to the
commencement of cargo operations and the
ship/shore Safety Checklist shall be completed and
signed by all parties concerned.

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LNG - TERMINAL & SHIP CARGO HANDLING

Shipboard Repairs

Whilst alongside the terminal, repairs and

maintenance to shipboard machinery and
equipment shall be limited to those items which do
not impair or require the following:
(a)The fire detection or fire fighting capability.
(b)The safe and efficient handling of the cargo.
(c)The propulsive power or manoeuvrability of the
ship.
(d)The use of welding and cutting gear in non-
approved areas.

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LNG - TERMINAL & SHIP CARGO HANDLING

Shipboard Repairs

e)The safe and efficient mooring and unmooring of

the ship.
f)The safe operation of electrical equipment
located in gas dangerous areas.
g)Work on open decks which involve hammering,
chipping or use of power tools.

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LNG - TERMINAL & SHIP CARGO HANDLING

Mooring Tension Monitor

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LNG - TERMINAL & SHIP CARGO HANDLING

Mooring Tension Monitor

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LNG - TERMINAL & SHIP CARGO HANDLING

Mooring Snap Back Zone

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LNG - TERMINAL & SHIP CARGO HANDLING

Immobilization Of Main Engines

Whilst alongside the terminal the ship's main engines

and related auxiliaries shall be kept in a state of
readiness such that the ship can leave under her own
power in an emergency

Repairs and/or maintenance work to the main engines

and related auxiliaries shall be prohibited.

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LNG - TERMINAL & SHIP CARGO HANDLING

Pre-Discharging Meeting

A pre-discharging meeting is normally conducted in the

Cargo Control Room (CCR) prior to the start of cool
down. The meeting shall be attended by Terminal
Supervisor and the ship's Chief Officer in charge of
cargo operations.

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LNG - TERMINAL & SHIP CARGO HANDLING

Ship/Shore Communication

While ship is at berth, the following communication

systems are normally be made available:

(a)Telephone (for back-up)

(b)UHF-radio (for back-up)
(c)Hot-line (for normal loading operations and
emergency)

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LNG - TERMINAL & SHIP CARGO HANDLING

Communication During Discharging

Any communication with regard to loading activities

shall be between ship's cargo control room (CCR) and
shore's terminal control centre .For this purpose, the
HOTLINE normally be the primary communication
during DISCHARGING OPERATIONS and EMERGENCY
whilst the telephone is the secondary communication.

The UHF radio shall be for backup use only if the other
two systems are not available, it can be used for
loading communications.

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LNG - TERMINAL & SHIP CARGO HANDLING

Emergency On The Ship

In case of emergency on the ship the following

immediate action shall be taken by ship:

(a)Sound the ship alarm.

(b)Initiate ESD-1.
(c)Inform Terminal Control Room
(d)Inform Port Authority using hot line

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LNG - TERMINAL & SHIP CARGO HANDLING

Cessation Of Discharging

Discharging of LNG shall cease:

(a) When the safe discharging cannot be

performed at the terminal as determined by the
Master, terminal or port authority
(b) When evacuation advice has been issued by
port authority.
(c) Upon the arrival of a LNG tanker at the
exclusive zone limit for berthing

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THANK YOU

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