---

The Liquefied Gas National Center of Expertise (LGC NCOE), a department of the US Coastguard, based in Port Arthur, Texas, has released a new field notice relating to domestic LNG-fuelled vessels.

Field Notice 02-16, entitled 'Domestic Vessel LNG Fuel System Inspection Job Aid' augments existing policy with a recommended checklist. The job aid has been field tested by local units aboard LNG-fuelled vessels in the U.S. It is intended to be used for both initial and annual inspections as well as periodic safety test procedures of LNG fuel systems.

The checklist was developed by the LGC NCOE's Fuel Workforce Development Committee (LNGFWDC), which is comprised of Coast Guard LNG facility inspectors, marine inspectors and gas carrier examiners as well as staff officers from various Coast Guard Districts and the Offices of Design and Engineering Standards, Operating and Environmental Standards, Port and Facility Compliance and Commercial Vessel Compliance.

Utilising their collective experience, case studies and tools from industry and other government agencies around the globe, the development committee identifies nationally consistent recommendations for LNG fuelling and bunkering operations throughout the United States.

The committee is currently developing an 'LNG Bunkering Job Aid' for vessel-to-vessel LNG bunkering, and a pre-commissioning LNG checklist.

The Liquefied Gas National Center of Expertise's scope includes: foreign and domestic flagged vessels and barges that carry liquefied gases in bulk, commercial ships that utilize LNG as a fuel, and the safety and engineering systems associated with LNG/LPG storage facilities.

The LGC NCOE is one of six nationwide national centres of expertise focusing on providing industry specific consultation and services to the Coast Guard and maritime industry.