Port of Itaguaí performs its first between-vessels LNG transfer operation

For the first time in its history, the Port of Itaguaí concluded a liquefied natural gas (LNG) transfer between two vessels. The purpose of the operation was to resupply Karmol LNGT ASIA’s Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), chartered by Karpowership Brasil (KPS), which is anchored in Sepetiba Bay. The transfer of LNG from the tanker to the FSRU occurred between the 25th and 26th of October.

The LNG is transported in a gas carrier called an LNGC and pumped into the FSRU’s storage tanks. The LNGC must be moored alongside the FSRU for successful pumping to occur. Five smaller vessels were involved in the ship’s docking maneuver.

According to KPS, the total operation time – from the LNGC’s arrival and departure, berthing maneuvers, LNG preparation, pumping, and unberthing – took approximately 30 hours. KPS, Mitsui OSK Lines Europe (MOL LNGE), Fendercare Serviços Marinhos do Brasil Ltda., Wilson Sons, the Brazilian Navy, the Rio de Janeiro state Institute of the Environment (INEA), Pilotage, and CNTIC VPOWER GLOBAL collaborated on the task, which involved approximately 35 professionals.

The company also informed that all prep activities, elaboration of operational procedures, team training, risk analyses, and simulations were conducted at the University of Sao Paulo’s Numerical Offshore Tank (TPN-USP).

The refueling operation is part of the infrastructure of floating thermoelectric plants installed by KPS in Brazil. The company chose the Port of Itaguaí to receive the FSRU, the Powerships (floating thermoelectric units), and the transmission lines to distribute the energy generated there. A contract was signed with Companhia Docas do Rio de Janeiro (CDRJ), the Port Authority that manages the Port of Itaguaí, to make the project viable, with an estimated duration of 44 months.

Source: Jornal Portuário

To read the full original article, please go to: https://jornalportuario.com.br/interna/comercio-exterior/porto-de-itaguai-realiza-1-operacao-de-transferencia-de-gas-entre-navios-atracados-a-contrabordo

Sharing is caring!