Quantitative Analysis of Leakage Consequences of LNG Ship-to-Ship Bunkering Based on CFD

Abstract

Leakage incidents on LNG bunker vessels will result in a serious degree of hazard. This paper investigates typical high-risk scenarios such as hose ruptures and valve joint leakages. The consequences of an LNG leakage accident during the simultaneous operation of a bunker vessel and a container carrier are simulated using the FLACS software, and the dispersion range of the combustible vapor cloud is quantitatively analyzed under both ballast and laden conditions. Under the ballast condition, the diffusion range of the combustible vapor cloud on the side of the bunker vessel is 58 × 15.5 m from the front wall of the cargo equipment room to the bow of the vessel, and 35 × 9.5 m between the cargo equipment room and the transom of the vessel. Under the laden condition, the diffusion range on the side of the bunker vessel is 58 × 15.5 m from the front wall of the cargo equipment room to the bow of the vessel, and 15 × 4 m between the rear end wall of the cargo equipment room and the front wall of the stern of the vessel. These results provide important technical guidance and reference values for the safe operation of LNG bunker vessels.

A Comprehensive Review of the Establishment of Safety Zones and Quantitative Risk Analysis during Ship-to-Ship LNG Bunkering

“…Typically, for common scenarios like port-toship, STS, and truck-to-ship bunkering, a qualitative method will be utilized [35]. On the other hand, a quantitative approach (a risk-based approach) is more suitable for other situations [36]. Considering that the discussed LNG facilities frequently adopt a fundamental approach, an unintended LNG leak during bunkering can be treated as a single accidental leakage event.…”