Guide to Certification, Accreditation, and Equipment Standards for LNG Bunkering

The growing adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel has brought increased attention to safety, standardization, and regulatory compliance across the bunkering process. LNG Bunkering Certification plays a crucial role in ensuring that all operations – from equipment design and installation to transfer procedures and emergency systems – meet international safety and environmental standards. This certification framework establishes uniform criteria for vessels, trucks, and shore-based facilities engaged in LNG transfer activities, helping operators minimize risks and maintain operational integrity. Understanding the definitions, certification pathways, transfer equipment, and emergency shutdown systems is essential for all stakeholders involved in the LNG supply chain. The following sections provide a comprehensive overview of the certification process, relevant equipment, and the accreditation schemes that support safe and efficient LNG bunkering operations worldwide.

Certification, in LNG bunkering, has a significantly wide scope. Taking into account the different options that we have today for LNG fuel transfer, it is also possible to determine the large possible.

Introduction

In the context of Certification and Accreditation the present section focuses strictly on ISO 20519 Specification for bunkering of gas fuelled ships, focusing in particular on the provision by this international standard for operators to consider demonstration of compliance with the standard through the adoption of an adequate management objective (ISO 201519, Section 7). The objective, inscribed into an existing Management System (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISM, ISO 29001 and API Spec Q1) would serve the purpose of demonstrating compliance with ISO 20519.

In addition to this important provision from ISO 20519, also under section 7, one further suggested requirement for LNG Bunkering equipment quality reassurance is included:

Equipment used in the transfer system must conform to the standards listed for that equipment in the applicable sections of this standard and the manufacturer/fabricator of such equipment shall be certified compliant to one or more of the management systems listed in 7.1 or be listed on the API Composite List (for that piece of equipment). (ISO 20619, Section 7.2)

The purpose of this article is to list significant references for LNG bunkering certification (of equipment, vessels, trucks) making reference back to article LNG Regulatory Framework International EU Compliance“LNG Regulatory Framework International and European Maritime Safety Overview” where several instruments were summarized.

Following the references on certification and in the light of the provisions inscribed in Section 7 of ISO 20519, the present Guidance suggests, as a good practice, a simplified Accreditation Scheme intended for BFOs is included.

Definitions

Certification

The sections below indicate the relevant references for design and certification of LNG bunkering systems and equipment.

LNG Transfer Equipment

From ISO 20519, ISO/TS 18683:

Emergency Shutdown Systems (ESD)

Certification of ERS, ERC and ESD to follow the references below:

Emergency Release System (ERS). The present Guidance refers to ERS, ERC and ESD in the terms presented in EN ISO 20519, where ERS is defined as a system comprised of two sub-systems/elements that allow the main functional requirement of quick/dry disconnect during bunkering operation, as a consequence of an emergency.

LNG Bunkering Equipment Vessels

See article LNG Regulatory Framework International EU Compliance“LNG Regulatory Framework International and European Maritime Safety Overview”.

LNG Bunker Vessels

See article LNG Regulatory Framework International EU Compliance“LNG Regulatory Framework International and European Maritime Safety Overview”.

LNG Bunker Barges

Whilst rules have been developed for LNG bunker vessels, mostly derived from IGC and IGF Codes, barges seem not to have a dedicated of rules that apply directly to the carriage LNG fuel and bunkering services. This may impose a challenge in the harmonization of these floating craft that should be taken into consideration by PAAs.

In general, however, barges intended for the carriage of liquefied gases in bulk are to comply with the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) as appropriate, or other national standard, as applicable to the non-propelled status of the vessel.

Read also: The Role of LNG Bunkering Infrastructure

A special certificate attesting to the degree of compliance with the above codes or national standard may be issued upon request.

For manned barges, consideration is to be given for full compliance with the code. In all cases, it is the Owner’s responsibility to determine the requirements of flag Administration and port Administration.

LNG Trucks

LNG trucks must be fully compliant with ADR regulations and, if applicable, with the IMDG Code.

Every LNG truck must be super vacuum-insulated (i. e. double-walled tank with insulating material and vacuum atmosphere between the walls), must have three rear axles and be designed for maximum road stability.

The outer tank wall must be made of carbon steel or stainless steel with sufficient mechanical and thermal resistance. The mechanical resistance must be demonstrated by means of a safety impact study in which the resistance to lateral impact and overturning of the truck is determined. As regards fire resistance, the tank wall must be able to withstand temperatures of at least 700 °C.

Equipment and Installations

See article LNG Regulatory Framework International EU Compliance“LNG Regulatory Framework International and European Maritime Safety Overview”.

BFO Accreditation Scheme

The present Section is outlined as a good practice advice in the context of LNG bunkering, in particular in the context of BFO recognition Based on publication no. 116/p Bunkering guidelines for LNG as marine fuel (Polish Registry of Shipping – PRS) – March 2017x.

The simplified scheme, presented in Table 1, is intended to serve as an indicative example to PAAs in order to develop their own schemes, more or less in a modular approach.

The objective is the recognition of BFOs as competent organizations, complying with ISO 20519.

Author

Olga Nesvetailova

Freelancer

Literature

1. Study on the completion of an EU framework on LNG-fuelled ships and its relevant fuel provision infrastructure, LOT 1 Position paper: Towards harmonized EU LNG bunkering guidelines, DNV-GL, 2016.
2. Study on the completion of an EU framework on LNG-fuelled ships and its relevant fuel provision infrastructure, LOT 1 Final Report, DNV-GL, 2016.
3. LNG Bunkering Guidelines IACS Recommendation n. 142, on LNG Bunkering, IACS, 2016.
4. ISO/TS 18683:2015. (15-Jan. 2015). Guidelines for systems and installations for supply of LNG as fuel to ships. Technical Specification.
5. Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF). (2015). Gas as a marine fuel, safety guidelines, Bunkering. Version 1.0, February 2015.
6. ISO 20519:2017. Ships and marine technology – Specification for bunkering of gas fuelled ships. (International Standard).
7. IEC 60079-10-1. (2015). Explosive atmospheres – Part 10-1: Classification of areas – Explosive gas atmospheres.
8. Directive 1999/92/EC – ATEX of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1999 on minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres (15th individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC).
9. API RP-500. 1997. Recommended practice for classification of locations for electrical installations at petroleum facilities classified as CIass 1, Division 1 and Division 2. Washington. D.C: API.
10. API RP-505. 1997, Recommended practice for classification of locations at petroleum facilities classified as Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1 and Zone 2. Washington, D.C. API.
11. NFPA 497. 2012, Recommended practice for the classification of flammable liquids, gases or vapours and of hazardous (classified) locations for electrical installations in chemical process areas. Quincy, MA: NFPA.
12. IEC EN 60079-10-1 Ed.1.0, 2008. Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres – Part 10-1: Classification of areas – Explosive gas atmospheres. International Electrotechnical Commission.
13. Commission Decision 2010/769/EU of 13 December 2010 on the establishment of criteria for the use by liquefied natural gas carriers of technological methods as an alternative to using low sulphur marine fuels meeting the requirements of Article 4b of Council Directive 1999/32/EC relating to a reduction in the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels as amended by Directive 2005/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the sulphur content of marine fuels (OJ L 328, 14.12.2010, p. 15).
14. USCG CG-OES Policy Letter 02-14 – Guidance Related To Vessels And Waterfront Facilities Conducting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Marine Fuel Transfer (Bunkering) Operations.
15. ADN – European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland waterways (Update version ADN January 2017).
16. ADR – European agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (Update version ADR January 2017).
17. Rhine Vessel Inspection Regulations (RVIR).
18. EU general risk assessment methodology (Action 5 of Multi-Annual Action Plan for the surveillance of products in the EU (COM(2013)76) – Document 2015-IMP-MSG-15 – 16 October 2015.
19. Safety Study, Chain analysis: Supplying Flemish ports with LNG as a marine fuel, Analysis of safety aspects, June 2012.
20. EN 1160 – Installations And Equipment For Liquefied Natural Gas – General Characteristics Of Liquefied Natural Gas, NBN, 1st edition, August 1996.
21. ESD Arrangements & Linked Ship/Shore Systems for Liquefied Gas Carriers, SIGTTO First Edition 2009 – SIGTTO.
22. M. Kofod & S. Hartman, T. Mundt – Review of Recent Well-to-Wake Greenhouse Gas Studies evaluating the use of LNG as a marine Fuel, IMO MEPC/INF.15.
23. LNG Access Code for Truck Loading for The Zeebrugge LNG Terminal – Based on version approved by the CREG on September 19th 2013 – Applicable as of January 1st 2014 – FLUXYS.
24. Guidance for the Prevention of Rollover in LNG Ships – SIGTTO – First Edition 2012.
25. Wang, Siyuan & Notteboom, Theo – The role of port authorities in the development of LNG bunkering facilities in North European ports, 14 January 2015, World Maritime University 2015.
26. Verhoeven P (2010) A review of port authority functions: towards a renaissance? Marit Policy Manag 37:247-270.
27. Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF). (2017). Gas as a marine fuel, safety guidelines, Bunkering. Version 2.0, February 2015.
28. COM(2003) 515 final – Communication from The Commission concerning the non-binding guide of good practice for implementing Directive 1999/92/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres, Brussels, 25.8.2003.
29. Davies, P. (2016) – Bunkering LNG: Setting the Safety Zone, 7th Motorship Gas Fuelled Ships Conference, November 2016.
30. International Association of Oil & Gas Producers. (1-Mar 2010). Risk Assessment Data Directory – Process Release Frequencies. Report No. 434 – 1, 1 March 2010). Pertinent data from this report is summarised in: Davies & Fort, (Sept 2012), LNG as Marine Fuel – Likelihood of LNG Releases, Journal of Marine Engineering and Technology.
31. PGS2 – TNO Yellow Book – Methods for the calculation of physical effects, due to releases of hazardous materials (liquids and gases) – CPR 14E (3rd Edition, 2005) – TNO – The Netherlands Organization of Applied Scientific Research.
32. OECD Guiding Principles for Chemical Accident Prevention, Preparedness and Response, Guidance for Industry (including Management and Labour), Public Authorities, Communities, and other Stakeholders – 2nd Edition (2003) – OECD Environment, Health and Safety Publications.
33. DNVGL-RP-G105 Edition October 2015 – Development and operation of liquefied natural gas bunkering facilities, Recommended Practice, DNV GL, 2015.
34. USCG CG-OES Policy Letter No. 01-17 – Guidance for Evaluating Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) during Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Fuel Transfer Operations.
35. LGC NCOE Field Notice 01-2017 – 14-Aug-17 – Recommended Process For Analysing Risk Of Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) During Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Bunkering.
36. An Overview of Leading Software Tools for QRA, American Society of Safety Engineers – Middle East Chapter (161), 7th Professional Development Conference & Exhibition, March 18-22, 2005.
37. Walter Chukwunonso Ikealumba and Hongwei Wu (2016) Some Recent Advances in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Production, Spill, Dispersion, and Safety School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Curtin University.