Alternative Fuels

SGMF publishes new technical guidance note on LNG bunker fuel tanks

Guidelines address the industry need for clarity on how to apply and interpret some of the statutory requirements for the filling and loading limits of LNG fuel tanks.

Published

3 years ago

July 7, 2022

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The Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF) on Wednesday (6 July) said it has released a Technical Guidance Note (TGN) on LNG Fuel Tanks – Loading/Filling Limits and Level Instrumentation: Considerations and Recommendations.

The TGN addresses the industry need for clarity on how to apply and interpret some of the statutory requirements for the filling and loading limits of liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel tanks.

The inherent properties of LNG, in particular its cryogenic nature and behaviour, differ significantly from those of conventional marine fuels. This means that the quantity of fuel that can safely be loaded into fuel tanks on gas-fuelled vessels will depend not only on the size and capacity of the tank itself but also on the temperature and pressure of the LNG to be bunkered, said the society.

Statutory safety limits on filling and loading LNG fuel tanks are set out in codes and regulations, most notably the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).

“However, the methods by which the filling and loading limits should be calculated for LNG fuel tanks have been interpreted differently by some vessels in operation and under construction, depending on the tank type, shipyard or classification society,” said SGMF.

These differing interpretations have led to some vessels applying a lower loading limit, reducing the amount of LNG in tanks. Despite safety not being affected, the fact that less LNG is being carried clearly has an impact on the vessels’ autonomy and in-service operations.

Mark Bell, General Manager, SGMF, has described the TGN as a rich resource for all those directly taking part in LNG bunkering operations or who are monitoring and managing the fuel.

“Our overall purpose was to provide effective guidance on the rules for filling and loading and to explain why the loading limit may vary for each bunkering operation due to LNG temperature, pressure, and composition. The crew can then maximise the amount of fuel that can be safely loaded by following established bunkering procedures and using the available instrumentation,” he said.

This new publication provides practical recommendations that go beyond the statutory requirements to ensure that vessels do not only operate safely, but also efficiently and in an environmentally responsible way.

Also included in this publication are lessons learned that promote industry good practice and form a basis for common understanding between the main stakeholders involved. Gas-fuelled vessels and bunkering facility owners and operators as well as LNG tank and fuel systems designers should consider the recommendations when defining and developing vessels’ specific systems, equipment, and LNG bunkering operational procedures.

An example of operational levels and thresholds that might be used as reference for an LNG fuel tank is provided, along with sample loading tables and detailed information about types of LNG fuel tank, their calibration, level instrumentation and functionality.

Stuart Carpenter, Carnival Corporation, LNG Project Director and Working Group Chair, emphasises the real-world expertise that has fed into the guidance: “SGMF has been able to draw on a vast repository of operational and in-service experience from our working group members (who included vessel operators, tank manufacturers and system designers) to put together this valuable publication, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed to it.”

The publication is available for members to download via the SGMF website. Non-members can pre-order it from the web shop here, for anticipated delivery by early September.

Photo credit: Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel
Published: 7 July, 2022

Biofuel

Chimbusco and SPG complete first biofuel bunkering operation in Northern China

Chimbusco’s “DA YUAN YOU 8” tanker refuelled the “HMM VANCOUVER” with 1,300 metric tonnes of B24 biofuel at Qingdao Port.

Published

3 days ago

June 20, 2025

Admin

Chimbusco and SPG achieves first biofuel bunkering operation in Northern China

China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) Co Ltd (Chimbusco) and Shandong Port Group (SPG) recently said they successfully completed the first B24 biofuel bunkering operation in Northern China on 14 June.

Chimbusco’s “DA YUAN YOU 8 ” tanker refuelled the “HMM VANCOUVER” with 1,300 metric tonnes (mt) of B24 biofuel at Qingdao Port.

Chimbusco said the successful bunkering operation not only marks a milestone in the bonded biofuel bunkering business for international voyage vessels in northern China but also represents a critical milestone in the green and low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry around the Bohai Sea and throughout northern China.

B24 biofuel is a blend of 24% waste cooking oil and 76% high-sulphur fuel oil. Authoritatively certified, the company said this fuel can significantly reduce carbon emissions from vessel operations by up to 20%, providing shipowners with an efficient and convenient low-carbon solution to comply with increasingly stringent International Maritime Organization (IMO) emission reduction regulations.

Since the beginning of this year, Chimbusco said it has achieved top records of bunkering volumes in the green fuel sector. From the first successful operation at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in eastern China to subsequent bunkering operations in Shenzhen, Xiamen, and other major ports across the country, the company has further consolidated its regular supply capabilities.

During this in-depth cooperation with SPG’s Qingdao Port, Chimbusco’s “Green Energy Label” made its debut at the operation site.

“This further confirms that Chimbusco is deploying green fuel bunkering services to help Chinese ports accelerate the construction of a maritime green energy supply network,” the company said.

Photo credit: Shandong Port Group
Published: 20 June, 2025

Ammonia

Korea to develop global standards for discharge of toxic effluent from ammonia-fuelled ships

KR and major Korean shipyards such as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Samho and Samsung Heavy Industries will be part of the group.

Published

3 days ago

June 20, 2025

Admin

Korea to develop global standards for discharge of toxic effluent from ammonia-fuelled ships

Classification society Korean Register (KR) said it has launched a joint working group to establish international standards for the safe discharge of toxic ammonia effluent generated from ammonia-fuelled ships.

Major Korean shipyards such as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Samho, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and the Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR) will be part of the group.

KR said ammonia is attracting attention as an eco-friendly alternative fuel that does not emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, but due to its strong toxicity and concerns about marine pollution, it is essential to establish separate safety standards.

In particular, ammonia effluent generated from wet treatment systems currently has no clear treatment standards, which causes considerable technical and operational uncertainty in ship design and operation.

Accordingly, the group aims to establish international standards related to the storage, treatment, and discharge of ammonia wastewater generated from ships and to officially propose this to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through the Korean government.

The launch of this consultative body is a follow-up measure to a proposal by KR and the Korean government to the IMO in 2024 for the need to establish safety standards for ammonia effluent, which was officially approved at the 83rd IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) in April 2025. The group plans to propose a draft standard to the IMO in 2026 and lead international discussions.

Kim Tae-seong, Head of the KTR headquarters, said: “We will provide reliable scientific data to establish ammonia wastewater management guidelines and treatment standards. We will actively cooperate to secure the international competitiveness of the domestic shipbuilding and shipping industries.”
Kim Kyung-bok, Vice President of KR, said: “This consultative body is a symbolic case of our shipbuilding and shipping industries joining forces to lead the establishment of international safety standards based on our country’s advanced technologies.”

“KR will continue to support the development of alternative fuel safety standards and international standardisation efforts together with our government.”

Photo credit: Korean Register
Published: 20 June, 2025

Alternative Fuels

Fratelli Cosulich and IINO Lines to collaborate on alternative bunker fuels

Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy and IINO Lines signed a MoU, setting a foundation for further collaboration in the areas of methanol, LNG, and ammonia bunkering.

Published

3 days ago

June 20, 2025

Admin

Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy and IINO Lines on Thursday (19 June) announced a strategic cooperation that reinforces their shared commitment to the decarbonisation of the maritime industry.

The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore new business opportunities in the alternative marine fuels sector.

“This agreement marks a significant step in the long-standing relationship between the two companies and sets the foundation for further collaboration in the areas of methanol, LNG, and ammonia bunkering,” Fratelli Cosulich said.

Through the MoU, the parties will engage in joint initiatives, exchange market insights, and facilitate connections with potential suppliers and stakeholders in the alternative fuels space.

“We are proud to announce the partnership with Fratelli Cosulich for initiatives in alternative marine fuels. Both companies have extensive history in the shipping industry,” said Yusuke Otani, President of IINO Lines.

“The joint development will enable a holistic approach for building a supply chain of alternative marine fuels.”

“As we navigate the energy transition, partnerships like the one we announce today with IINO Lines are essential in shaping the future of sustainable shipping,” said Timothy Cosulich, CEO of Fratelli Cosulich Group.

“By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to drive the adoption of cleaner marine fuels and contribute to the decarbonization of global shipping.”

Photo credit: Scott Graham
Published: 20 June, 2025