---

LNG specialist Barents NaturGass reports that its LNG bunkering station in Hammerfest, northern Norway, is now in operation.

The refuelling facility is located at Polarbase, which is the supply base for operators engaged in exploration and production drilling in the Barents Sea.

With an LNG storage capacity of 1,250 cubic metres, the station is the largest of three LNG bunkering facilities operated by Barents NaturGass. The company's other two LNG refuelling stations in Lodingen and Mosknenes are able to store up to 250 cubic metres and 150 cubic metres respectively.

The Hammerfest facility also has the fastest pumping rate of 90 cubic metres per hour, compared to 60 cubic metres per hour in Lodingen and Mosknenes.

How it works

The bunkering station in Hammerfest consists of LNG storage tanks, corresponding to an ordinary receiving facility. Rather than using evaporators for regasification, a powerful pump is used for the rapid transfer of LNG to the vessel's tank.

From the plant, vacuum-insulated pipes - usually in the ground or under the quay - go to the actual bunkering point on the quay. The vessel is connected by means of a hose and a dry-break coupling.

Delivery

For regular LNG users at Moskenes and Lodingen, Barents NaturGass says that it is the customer that performs the bunkering operation after being given training, while the Hammerfest facility is handled by Barents NaturGass or Polarbase crews.

Safety and speed

The dry-break coupling is designed to provide quick and safe switching and disconnection, and prevents leakage when cooling the coupling.

The Norwegian LNG firm stresses that the design of the station - including the pump, the break-away couplings and dry-break couplings - ensures that bunkering is "quick and safe".

Trials

Barents NaturGass says it has carried out bunkering trials in Hammerfest with different type of vessels, from small tugboats operated by Statoil, to the Coastal Guard and ENI's supply vessel, and including the tanker Bit Viking with 1,000 cubic metres of LNG storage on board.

Tank provision and installation

The LNG storage tanks were provided by Italy's VRV S.p.A, whilst the installation was carried out by Norwegian company Intergas.