Management and Usage of Nitrogen Systems on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Carriers

Abstract

The importance of liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels and the technology that enables their operations is steadily growing. Hence, in addition to professional interest, the general public also displays a considerably large interest in this issue. Today LNG carriers belong to the category of the most technologically developed vessels and therefore managing these vessels requires not only the general knowledge but also the specific knowledge relating to their cargo handling systems. To ensure the safe and economical transport of LNG by sea and to minimize the risk of fire or explosion it is necessary to understand the properties of LNG and nitrogen, an inert gas used in all phases of the carriage and transfer of liquefied gas. The subject of this research is the overall process of nitrogen management in daily operations on board LNG carriers. The aim of the research is to explain, evaluate and define the various applications of nitrogen systems on LNG carriers.