CNG

Introduction

As worldwide demand for natural gas increases, compressed natural gas (CNG) offers economically viable and competitive methods of rapidly monetizing natural gas in short-haul trades or certain geographic locations. Many worldwide gas-producing fields lack suitable infrastructure for liquefying natural gas and terminal facilities may be limited, thus transportation of this “stranded” gas in compressed form rather than liquid form may offer cost and operational benefits.

ABS has worked along side CNG developers to provide a comprehensive framework of reference material and acceptable methodologies for achieving class society approval of new CNG technology.

Review Activities

Overall CNG review activities include:

• ABS risk studies to identify the hazards posed by CNG loading procedures and other ship operation parameters. Guidance from ABS conforms to API codes for system safeguards such as:
• Gas depressurization arrangements
• Piping and electrical systems
• Gas dispersion
• Radiant heat levels
• Fire protection


• And IGC Code standards for:


• Stability
• Vessel arrangements
• Hazardous areas
• Containment system
• Fire protection

Approval In Principle (AIP)

Concept development: in the earliest stage of development, a client may ask ABS to assess the design concept in term of possible class approval. This preliminary assessment is referred to as “approval in principle” or AIP.

ABS Press Releases

May 4, 2004 New CNG Guide Speeds Approval of Pioneering Gas-To-Market Technologies

ABS Guides & Other Publications