Training Rules Still 'Gray Area' For Us Operators Adopting LNG

In the past few years, liquefied natural gas (LNG) has made steady headway in the United States as a marine fuel. But while operators have moved ahead with training for mariners on these vessels, the U.S. regulatory framework remains a work in progress.

- Casey Conley

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted rules requiring specific LNG training. Mariners must demonstrate certain competencies and familiarization with LNG vessels to meet the standards, which took effect on Jan. 1.

Since 2015, American operators have followed a U.S. Coast Guard policy letter that closely mirrors international protocols. The service is currently adapting these standards into formal regulations. In the meantime, the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center is not yet approving LNG training courses, or issuing endorsements for mariners who complete them. 

Bob Kamb, manager of LNG services with ABS Group, a technical advisory firm and subsidiary of the American Bureau of Shipping, said the Coast Guard’s policy letter clearly states which competencies are required. But the lack of an endorsement or certifications for the training programs has created “a gray area in regard to training.”

“We can easily comply with the spirit of the regulations, but it may be more challenging to comply with the letter of the regulations,” Kamb said. “We can navigate it because we have the policy letter and can anticipate what the requirements (will be) once the regulations are released.”

Harvey Gulf made history in early 2015 when it took delivery of Harvey Energy, the first LNG fueled offshore supply vessel. The company now operates three such vessels and three more are in the works. Also in 2015, TOTE Maritime’s 764-foot Isla Bella became the world’s first LNG-powered containership. TOTE has since taken delivery of a second LNG containership, Perla del Caribe.