CRITICAL OPERATIONS ON BOARD LPG TANKERS

By Capt. Victor Guinto. Jr.

The nature of it’s cargoes makes LPG Tankers one of the most hazardous vessels
today. In spite of the fact, they are among the safest and cleanest vessels to be on. The
idea is if we take a very close look at the critical operations and manage the risks
properly, then safety can be maximized and risks minimized.

Among the critical operations are: Loading Operations, Discharging Operations, Ship-
to-Ship Operations, Gas Freeing, and Gassing-up Operations. We will take a brief look at
each of these.

Before loading operations start, the Ship/Shore Interface procedures must be done and
the Ship/Shore Safety Checklist completed and signed. This will be the basis of how both
the ship and terminal will conduct the operations according to an agreed plan. Standard
and emergency communication will be agreed upon. Initial, normal, and final loading
rates will be discussed. Allowable list and trim are also included. The idea is all items
that are essential to be understood, clarified and agreed upon must be done at this point.

The loading plan is a critical tool for the success of the voyage. Changes in
temperature during the voyage will greatly affect the volume of the cargo. On a
refrigerated or semi-refrigerated gas tanker, temperatures can be controlled but on a fully-
pressurized gas tanker temperatures are subject to the weather conditions. The maximum
loadable quantity therefore must be subject to repeated checks. The most critical time is
during topping-up of the tanks. Continuous monitoring is a key to safety during loading
operations.

Discharging operations are similar to loading operations except that they are done in
reverse. Ship/Shore Interface procedures as well as the other safety checks are standard.
One difference is the use of pumps and compressors. They must be checked and tried out
at least 24 hours before discharging to ensure that they are working properly. They are
also run just before the discharging operations. It is normal to discharge the liquid part of
the cargo with part of the vapour remaining.

Ship-to-ship operations are done when the infrastructure of terminals are insufficient
for some tankers. This is one of the most critical and riskiest operations. Loading and
discharging operations are basically similar. The number of mooring lines used is much
more than in port and requires more frequent tending and care. Mooring lines can part
due to abrasion.

Gas-freeing is a procedure usually done before dry docking, tank inspection, or tank
cleaning. The goal is to replace the cargo gas inside the tanks with inert gas then with air
to reduce the risk of having an explosive condition. This can be done by proper inerting
methods and continuous monitoring of the contents of the tanks during the process. An
approved chemist is required to certify that a tank is gas-free.

Gassing-up is the reverse of gas-freeing. This procedure is done after inerting to

prepare the tanks for loading. The objective is to replace the inert gas inside the tanks
with cargo gas. The amount of inert gas left inside the tanks must be minimized. The tank
atmosphere is closely monitored during inerting and gassing-up to reduce the risk of
explosive conditions and quality of the tank atmosphere.

These critical operations on board LPG tankers are briefly described to give an
overview. Each gas tanker has different equipment and must have its own detailed
procedures clearly approved and listed.