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Rapid phase transitions of LNG cargo -associated hazards & safety technology

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) compresses to a small fraction of its original volume (approximately 1/600) under liquefaction. With the amount of flammable material that LNG contains, it has the potential to be an extremely dangerous chemical, if handled improperly. The liquefaction of natural gas raised the possibility of its transportation to many destinations.



The LNG fleet delivers more than 110 million metric tons annually to ports around the world. Accidental spillage of liquefied natural gases are rare with no significant cargo losses. . This safety record is attributable to continuously improving tanker technology, tanker safety equipment, comprehensive safety procedures, training, equipment maintenance, and effective administration oversight.

The most severe accident that may realistically occur to a loaded LNG tanker is the breach of one or more storage tanks, with consequent discharge of liquefied natural gas outboard. No accidents leading to loss of cargo have occurred over the history of maritime liquefied natural gas transportation. This safety record is at least partially due to the double-hulled construction of LNG tankers and the separation between the LNG cargo tank and the inner hull, which effectively makes the cargo tank's wall a third safety barrier to outside penetrations.

LNG carrier at manouvering
Fig:LNG carrier at manouvering

Rapid phase transitions are physical explosions caused by rapid vaporization of liquefied natural gas that do not involve combustion or burning. When liquefied natural gas flows on water, it forms a thin vapor film that separates it from the water. In locations of vigorous mixing, this film can be breached and LNG can come into direct contact with water. Under those conditions the LNG can undergo rapid evaporation, causing a rapid phase transition. In past spill experiments, rapid phase transitions have been observed at the first point of mixing with water and at the leading edge of a spill.

Mixing is known to be the most vigorous at these two locations. Rapid phase transitions are much less energetic than combustion explosions. Unconfined rapid phase transitions are generally not considered hazardous; however, these can cause structural damage if they were to occur in a confined space.

LNG Incidents and LNG safety - LNG Incidents Started with the first vessel load of LNG by marine vessels. The number of LNG accidents is remarkably small.It is Consequence of a “Culture of Safety.” Culture must transfer to bunkering segment of the industry.

LNG safety: Bunkering operations considered LNG transfers. It is not simply a fueling operation. SAFETY is of primary importance & specialty business with a limited number of participants and an impeccable safety record. Recent growth has added a number of new participants with limited LNG experience.

LNG as a marine fuel requires that all industry participants adopt the LNG safety culture. To the media any incident is not a bunker spill – “IT IS AN LNG ACCIDENT!!”

For transferring LNG as a cargo IMO type B (Moss Maritime spherical tanks) and membrane tanks (Gaz Transport and Technigaz) mainly are used. New developments use IMO type A tanks and IMO type C tanks. For LNG propulsion on ship other than LNG carriers, IMO type C tank are preferable.

Potential LNG Fuel Accidents
Terminal-Related LNG Accidents and Incidents : Recent safety issues for LNG terminal siting, Safety exclusion zones, Remote siting, Security: Around and on terminals.

Vessel-Related LNG Accidents and Incidents : Mostly due to breach of one or more storage tanks, with resulting discharge of LNG overboard. No accidents leading to loss of LNG cargo. Due largely to double-hulled construction of LNG vessels and separation between the LNG cargo tank and the inner hull.

The number of LNG-related accidents is relatively small when compared with the storage, handling and transportation of LNG. This is due to very strict international, national, and regional safety regulations and standards

Training is the key. Meanwhile, advances in technology and handling equipment keeps on improving.


Related Information:

  1. Training requirements LNG carriers


  2. How to tackle fire on board LNG ship


  3. LNG spill risk during marine transportation and hazards associated


  4. Fire fighting plan for LNG cargo


  5. Increased Cargo Capacity for LNG ships & Advantages of the dual fuel diesel electric propulsion


Defining various gas carrier types

Fuel flexibility of LNG ships

Why initial cooling of cargo tanks required prior loading LNG cargo ?

LNG ship spillage risk

LNG shipment

Initial Cool Down of cargo tanks

Leaks on the Cargo System, Continuous Flow - how to prevent

LNG tank leaks and immediate action by gas carriers

Leaks from a Loading Arm due to Tidal or Current Effects

Minor or major leaks from LNG tanks

Procedures for LNG cargo loading

Procedures for LNG cargo discharging





External links :

  1. Energy industry online training company








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