18 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 17 | Q2 2024 Even if LNG as energy source started to be become famous on the beginning of this century, the first successful LNG cargo transfer by vessel was made in late 1950s. This was loaded on a converted World War II cargo ship and proved that LNG could safely be transferred at sea. The first commercial LNG shipment followed in 1964 from the first LNG carrier ‘Methane Princess’ on a voyage from Algeria to United Kingdom. From this voyage, which established the viability of LNG as a global energy resource until the end of last century, the routes expanded connecting the producers in Africa, Middle East & Southeast Asia with receivers in Far East and Europe. In the modern era of LNG industry from the early 2000s and afterwards, the LNG carriers have become more sophisticated with environmentally friendly dual fuel engines along with cargo tanks containment systems. These technological innovations reduced the Boil Off Rate (BOR) and made gas management more efficient, but most importantly, with lower consumptions. However, the real evolution which exploded commercially the LNG industry was the possibility of Ship To Ship (STS) LNG cargo transfer. This necessity was created in countries with high energy demand but without supportive shore receiving infrastructure, including the required space for LNG shore tanks. In order to supersede such obstacles, the creation of Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) vessel was the optimum solution but we should first ensure that all relevant cargo transfer restrictions, which followed in terminal, were to be followed on a STS LNG cargo operation. Even with the knowledge (navigation & mooring) of STS operation on tanker vessels being there, the biggest challenge for the LNG carriers STS was the cold cargo (-161°C) and the safety precautions and contingency plan in case of cargo leakage during the transfer. Despite of course, the cryogenic equipment which should be tested properly under class approval and then be used. In case of LNG leakage, there is always the case of hull damage or even fracture. Additionally, when flexible hoses were used, the possible leakage location could be varying. The history records 2007, when the first LNG carrier converted to FSRU in order to serve the port of Pecem, Brazil, then more and more FSRU vessels were built in shipyards and installed on several countries (Argentina, Pakistan, Jordan, Kuwait). LNG cargo starts to be safely discharged from conversional ships to FSRU vessels. After that, it was much easier for the industry to move on LNG STS cargo transfer between conventional vessels at sea. At the same period, the LNG industry starts also to invest to Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) with the story of “Prelude” FLNG to be the most known, but before that, the first floating LNG vessel which was actually designed, built and delivered in S. Korea for Oil Major Petronas was the FLNG “Satu”, which started her service in Malaysia. Considering the geopolitical challenges around the world, the LNG supply becomes more demanding, offers huge opportunity to LNG producer countries to grow, but at the same time, to owners to expand their fleet or enter to LNG industry. Alexios Anthimos Pippos Port Captain Evolution of LNG cargo operations ARTICLE
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