LNG Bunkering is usually the term used to refer to LNG tankers. LNG stands for liquefied petroleum gas, also known as non-petrol diesel. LNG has many advantages over petrol diesel and diesel fuel in that it burns cleaner with no carbon monoxide produced. There is also no need to mix LPG and diesel fuel as LPG is a pure fossil fuel, whereas diesel is derived from petroleum and combines with oxygen to form an aromatic gas. Petrol diesel on the other hand can be made from vegetable oil or other fats.
There are numerous applications for LNG bunkering applications. One of the most popular is in offshore applications, as LNG allows for greater flexibility in addressing security and cost concerns associated with shipping. Offshore operations in the energy sector generally require large amounts of fuel in a short space of time, which limits the number of fueling locations available. As well as reducing the number of potential site-specific or ship-specific applications, it also ensures a consistent, predictable amount of fuel on hand at all times, making LNG an ideal choice for many global bunkering industry applications.
Another application for LNG bunkering is at sea. A common shipboard application is to supply LPG for use in on-board power generation, rather than for consumption onboard, which limits overall fuel consumption and availability. A typical LNG consumption model includes a combustion chamber, a source of pre-combustion air inlet air, an output venting unit, and a vapor compression system. Bunkering vessels are often fitted with a variety of onboard applications, including LPG and diesel. Refueling applications are common on most modern ships. These tend to be fuel-efficient burners that supply hot air for pre-combustion and post-combustion gas-fueled ships. Diesel is used as an emergency cooling system in conditions where LPG and diesel fail to provide suitable sources of energy. Many moderns ships have the ability to use both sources of energy. Shipboard applications of LNG tend to be limited to emergency operations only.
One of the most popular applications of LNG bunkering ships is in emergencies, particularly those where petroleum sources are unavailable. A common occurrence in these circumstances is a vessel needing to be towed back to port against prevailing gale-force winds. In some cases, an emergency can last much longer than it would if oil or other fuel sources were readily available. An LNG barge is a highly flexible solution that can remain at sea and still supply LPG and diesel to keep operational. While at sea, the LNG barge is a ready-to-use storage option that does not need to be dockside, saving precious time during an emergency.
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