Our new fully automatic emission free LNG bunkering system is currently operating with a Danish ferry line. This unique, modularized bunkering plant fuels a ferry in less than 30 minutes.
Simple and Safe Operation
The bunkering process is fully automatic and requires no permanent staff on shore. Approximately 15 minutes before the ferry arrives to the facility by the quay, a signal is sent from the ferry to the control system of the bunkering plant. This activates the system and the LNG road tanker controls to start the pre-cooling sequence of the transfer pump. When the ferry has docked, a ferry crew member connects the EMS (emergency shut-down) cable, takes the loading hose from its parking position and connects it to the ferry bunkering coupling, and starts the bunkering process on the HMI control panel. After the desired amount of LNG has been transferred, the process is stopped on the HMI control panel, thereby stopping the pump and closing the valve on the road tanker liquid outlet line. When 'bunkering valve close' is activated on the HMI control panel, the liquid is led back to the road tanker, thereby lowering the pressure in the bunkering line.
When the pressure in the bunkering line has reached a preset value, the HMI will display 'disconnect bunker hose'. The loading hose is then disconnected and placed on the parking connection again. As the ferry leaves, the remaining liquid in the lines will be vaporized and displaced to the road tanker through the vapour line due to thermal expansion and lower pressure in the road tanker. Finally, all valves are closed, putting the system 'to sleep' under vapour pressure. During 'sleep', the pressure in the system is kept on a constant level, thereby preventing any emissions to the atmosphere.
The LNG Off-loading Station is a complete package including hardware, software and controls. The system is designed to efficiently handle the off-loading of both liquid and gaseous LNG phases from marine vessels. All required instrumentation, safeties and controls are integral to the package.
Dedicated process lines handle:
- LNG liquid loading
- LNG vapor return
- LNG liquid measurement
- LNG vapor measurement
- LNG blow-down
- Nitrogen blow-off
The skid is equipped with flow meters, temperature and pressure transmitters and controls valves. Control is digital and conducted via a PLC and industrial computer. The industrial computer stores the systems operating parameters and monitors the system safety string.
In June of 2008, Furuise collaborated with Hamworthy (Norway) and designed and manufactured a 228m3 marine LNG fuel storage system. The system passed Det Norske Veritas (DNV) certification and approval and Hamworty immediately placed orders for 10 more units of varying size. The marine LNG industry is in its infancy and few companies offer the experience and credentials we can bring to the table.
Safrigas offers various marine LNG cargo and fuelling configurations.
