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Discussions prior to cargo transfer - Liquefied gas carrier operational guideline

Before the start of any cargo transfer operation, the intended cargo handling procedures must be thoroughly discussed at a meeting held between the responsible personnel from the ship and the terminal. The master, Chief Officer and Chief Engineer shall attend a meeting.The purpose of the meeting is primarily to draw up a suitable cargo plan and to check on safety issues.



Furthermore, the meeting has the benefit of making both sides familiar with the essential characteristics of ship and shore cargo handling systems. At the meeting, the envisaged operational and safety procedures and requirements should be covered. Finally, any limitations to be observed during the transfer should be noted in writing. Written agreements should include a cargo handling plan (including transfer rates), communication procedures, emergency signals, emergency shut down procedure and the tank venting system to be used.

The content of the meeting will depend on a wide variety of circumstances but the following broad outline forms the normal basis for such meetings.

(1) The names and roles of terminal and ship personnel who will be responsible for cargo transfer operations should be noted.

(2) The terminal representative should check that pre-arrival instructions to the ship on cargo, cargo disposition and cargo arrival temperature have been carried out. They also check that all necessary ship equipment inspections and tests have been performed.

(3) Similarly, the ship’s officers should satisfy themselves that the relevant terminal equipment is satisfactory and that appropriate inspection checks have been carried out.

(4) The terminal representatives and, where necessary, customs and independent surveyors should be informed of the cargo tank data.

(5) The ship and terminal should then discuss and agree in writing the quantity and types of cargo to be loaded or discharged and in what order. The anticipated transfer rates and, for discharge, the receiving tank allocations should also be agreed.

The cargo transfer operation should be planned and confirmed in writing in order to assure full mutual understanding. The items to be addressed should include:-

i) The order of loading or discharging

ii) The total quantities of cargo to be transferred

iii) The sequence of discharging and receiving tanks

iv) The intended transfer rates

v) The transfer temperatures and pressures to be expected, and

vi) The use of vapour return line

(6) To reconfirm earlier pre-charter advice, the previous three cargoes carried by the ship and the relevant dates should be noted in order to identify and assess any possible cargo contamination problems, particularly after ammonia.

(7) The appropriate Cargo Information Data Sheets should be provided and should be posted in prominent places on board the ship and within the terminal.

(8) A review of port and jetty regulations should be made with particular attention being paid to berth operating limits, fire-fighting capabilities and other emergency procedures. Similarly, ship regulations and emergency procedures should be communicated to terminal personnel.

Particular importance should be paid to emergency shut down valve closure times and to the agreed emergency shut down procedures.

Equipment and procedures for normal and emergency communications between ship and terminal should be defined and understood. Where portable radios are provided, adequate spare battery capacity should be made available. A common language should be established.

(9) Any further information or procedures relevant to the operation should be discussed.





Related Information:

  1. Vapour characteristics of liquefied gases


  2. Low temperature effects of liquefied gases


  3. Details of various cargo handling equipment onboard

  4. Reactivity of liquefied gas cargo and safety guideline

Cargo Information - physical and chemical properties necessary for the safe containment of the cargo

Mooring requirements for gas carrier

Means of access to ship - gas carrier guideline

Standards for use of Mobile-phone in gas carrier

Precautions against abnormal weather or other conditions

Dispersal of Vented Cargo Vapours

Engine and Boiler Room Precautions

Cargo Machinery Room Precautions

Ship’s Readiness to Move

Lashing of Movable Articles





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