Swedish coupling manufacturer and supplier MannTek has announced a lighter and safer LNG bunkering system, that promises to reduce weight by up to 50%.
The novel system has successfully completed a factory acceptance test and is now being used on Sirius Shipping and the Anthony Veder Group’s LNG bunker vessel, the Coralius.
“The lighter design makes for a more manoeuvrable design which in turn makes the role of the system’s operators easier, and more importantly, safer,” Markus Bäckström, CEO of MannTek, said.
Installation process optimised
Prior to installation aboard the Coralius, MannTek worked closely with Sirius Shipping, the Anthony Veder Group and Skangas, To ensure the installation process was fully optimised.
“During the project we have made design suggestions that we felt would improve the way the system is fitted to the vessel. We were involved from a very early stage in design as bunking activities on a vessel need to be able to take place at four different locations,” Markus said.
The Coralius started operations in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea in September.
Based on CBC and DCC couplings
The system is based on Manntek’s Dry Cryogenic Coupling (DCC) and Cryogenic break-away Coupling (CBC) with the addition of LNG hoses, an Emergency Shut Down (ESD) signaller and High Pressure Nitrogen System (HPN2). The system is currently available in 4-inch, -inch and 8-inch variants.
“The company’s DCCs have connected and transferred LNG 20,000 times, we believe we have the most experience in cryogenic transfer in the industry. This includes the first Ferry for LNG Viking Grace and the First container ship Tote Maritime,” Marcus added.
To operational safety, the system was designed to stringent international standards and meets the requirements of a range of regulatory bodies including SIGTTO, SGMF, ISO, EN, Class approval with DNV, BV and Lloyds. The Transfer system can also be provided with a SIL 2 classification.
