LNG

European classification society DNV GL has opened a liquefied natural gas test centre in Groningen in the Netherlands to enable safer and more efficient use of the fuel as demand grows from the shipping and transport sectors.

European maritime classification society DNV GL is enabling Chinese company Wison Offshore to progress with the development of its liquefied natural gas break-bulk distribution vessel.

Sept 27 (LNGJ) - European classification society DNV GL has named Liv Hovem as Chief Executive of its oil and gas business division, which provides integrated technical assurance and advisory services to operators, suppliers and regulators. She will be based at the DNV GL Oil and Gas headquarters in Hovik in Norway and be a member of the DNV GL Group's Executive Committee. Hovem succeeds Elisabeth Torstad, who has been appointed CEO of DNV GL’s new Digital Solutions division. Commenting on her appointment, Hovem says: “I look forward to leading the oil and gas business in its next phase of development. The oil and gas industry has the opportunity to play an important role in a sustainable energy portfolio.”

Nov 1 (LNGJ) - The shipping industry has made an award to Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman, President and Chief Executive of the American Bureau of Shipping, the US classification society. Wiernicki was honoured for his contributions to the maritime industry by the United Seamen’s Service as a recipient of the Admiral of the Ocean Seas Award at a ceremony in New York City. “I am humbled to accept this award, not for me, but rather on behalf of the more than 5,000 worldwide employees of ABS and the 1.5 million mariners who day in and day out keep this industry moving and our global economy expanding,” Wiernicki said. Also honoured were Arthur E. Imperatore, Founder and President of New York Waterways, and Donald Marcus, President of the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots.

Oct 10 (LNGJ) - The Korean Register has announced the death of its Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr B S Park, who passed away in Busan after a short illness, aged 63. Dr Park was appointed as Chairman and CEO of KR in December 2014 and during that time he made a significant impact on the classification society. “Dr Park had travelled extensively and was well liked and respected across the industry,” said the statement. Dr Park had graduated from Korea Maritime and Ocean University in 1976 and joined Pan Ocean Shipping where he worked in a number of capacities until 2001. In that year he was appointed CEO of Welson Korea Insurance Brokers before becoming COO of Korea P&I Club in 2006. He joined KR in 2014.

Lloyd’s Register, the UK-based classification society, and Hyundai Heavy Industries have signed a joint development project on ship-to-ship bunkering compatibility for liquefied natural gas re-fuelling.

Aug 30 (LNGJ) - French classification society Bureau Veritas has registered its first LNG-fueled newbuild oil-chemical tanker, the 15,000 deadweight tonnage “Ternsund”, built at Avic Dingheng shipyard in China and delivered to Danish tanker operator Terntank Rederi. “The ‘Ternsund’ is the first of a series of four ships all equipped with the Wartsila RT-flex50-D dual-fuel low-speed engine. The vessel became the first ever ship to take on LNG as bunker fuel in the Port of Rotterdam in early August, qualifying for an LNG bunkering premium equal to a 10 per cent reduction in port dues,” BV said. Philippe Donche-Gay, President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore Division, stated: “We led the way globally classing dual-fuel gas carriers and we are now leading the way with newbuildings of different ship types using LNG as fuel.”

DNV GL, the Norwegian-German classification society, has provided a report to the European Union with recommendations on how to remove barriers to wider adoption of liquefied natural gas as a marine fuel.