エピソード

  • Beyond Four The Three Tank LNG Carrier Revolutionizing Maritim

    Beyond Four The Three Tank LNG Carrier Revolutionizing Maritim
    2025/09/12

    Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), in collaboration with GTT, has developed a revolutionary three-tank GTT concept for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers. This design marks a significant departure from the industry-standard four-tank configuration, aiming to redefine sustainability, efficiency, and operational flexibility in maritime LNG transport. Driven by stringent environmental regulations, particularly those from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) targeting a 50% cut in GHG emissions by 2050 (relative to 2008 levels), the three-tank concept integrates structural optimization, advanced hydrodynamic performance, and cutting-edge digital technologies. Key innovations include enhanced cargo capacity within optimized dimensions, superior fuel efficiency through dual-fuel propulsion and energy-saving devices (ESDs), robust safety features, and future-proofing for zero-carbon fuels like ammonia and hydrogen. The design promises significant reductions in CO₂, NOₓ, and SOₓ emissions, improved Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings, and a compelling lifecycle economic model driven by reduced operational expenditure (OPEX).
    続きを読む 一部表示
    29 分
  • Pumping Under Pressure: The Ins and Outs of Emergency Cargo Pump

    Pumping Under Pressure: The Ins and Outs of Emergency Cargo Pump
    2025/09/09

    In this episode, we discuss the emergency cargo pump, a critical piece of equipment used when a vessel's main cargo pumps fail. We cover the pump's installation, operation, and the importance of adhering to strict safety and operational procedures to prevent equipment damage and ensure personnel safety.


    Our discussion walks through the entire process of deploying the emergency cargo pump, from its storage and transportation to installation in a cargo tank. We detail the necessary pre-operation checks, including the crucial 10-hour gas cooling period and the subsequent one-hour liquid submersion for thermal stabilization. We also explore the pump's operational parameters, safety features, and the specific steps for starting and stopping the pump, both in normal and emergency situations.


    • The emergency cargo pump is a submerged motor pump cooled and lubricated by the LNG it pumps.
    • Proper installation involves purging the pump well with nitrogen, careful handling of power cables, and the use of a portable air winch and davit.
    • A critical pre-operation step is the 10-hour gas cool-down followed by a one-hour liquid submersion to ensure thermal stabilization and prevent pump damage.
    • The pump must not be started against a closed discharge valve to avoid insufficient cooling, lubrication issues, and excessive vibration.
    • Safety features include low discharge pressure switches, undercurrent and overcurrent relays, and automatic shutdown in case of ESD activation or other critical faults.
    • The pump has specific restart limitations to prevent damage, with different protocols for normal and emergency restarts.
    • Operating the pump outside its specified capacity range of 196m³/h to 550m³/h can lead to damage and reduced performance.
    • Actionable advice includes the importance of using lanyards for tools when working near open pump columns and ensuring all personnel are familiar with the pump's operation and safety procedures.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    6 分
  • Unsung Heroes Mastering LNG Carrier Stripping and Spray Pumps for Safety and Efficiency

    Unsung Heroes Mastering LNG Carrier Stripping and Spray Pumps for Safety and Efficiency
    2025/09/04

    This is comprehensive guide for maritime engineers and crew members on the operation and maintenance of stripping and spray pumps found on LNG carriers. The episode emphasizes the critical importance of these specialized pumps for tasks like tank cooldown and stripping, highlighting that their proper functioning is essential for vessel safety and operational efficiency. It moves from foundational knowledge and operational procedures to safety systems, troubleshooting common issues, and advanced optimization strategies, stressing a proactive approach to maintenance and continuous learning. The guide provides step-by-step methodologies, checklists, and key performance indicators (KPIs), ultimately aiming to equip mariners with the confidence and expertise needed to manage these systems effectively, drawing heavily on manufacturer specifications and industry benchmarks.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    23 分
  • Mastering Cryogenic Cargo Pumps on LNG Vessels

    Mastering Cryogenic Cargo Pumps on LNG Vessels
    2025/09/02

    This comprehensive episode explores the critical role of cryogenic cargo pumps in the safe and efficient transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) aboard specialized vessels. It details the fundamental principles governing these pumps, including thermodynamic and fluid dynamic challenges posed by extremely low temperatures. The text examines the intricate system architecture on LNG vessels, highlighting key components, control systems, and technological advancements. It further outlines rigorous operational protocols, from pre-inspection to post-operation safeguards, essential for managing such volatile cargo. Finally, the source analyzes the systemic impact of pump performance on the LNG supply chain, addressing technical challenges, human factors, and strategies for achieving operational excellence and reliability.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    15 分
  • How AI is Catching Criminals at Sea

    How AI is Catching Criminals at Sea
    2025/08/29

    This episode explores the critical issue of maritime crime, highlighting its vast scale, hidden nature, and severe impacts on human rights, economies, and the environment. Maritime crime is not just piracy but includes illegal fishing, drug trafficking, wildlife smuggling, human trafficking, forced labor, and more. Despite covering two-thirds of the Earth's surface and nearly 4.6 million vessels at sea, authorities only monitor about 2% of ocean activity, allowing criminals to operate largely unchecked.

    The current approach to maritime security is outdated and fragmented. Criminals exploit technology and complex ownership networks to evade detection, while law enforcement relies on random patrols and siloed information. This creates significant challenges in identifying and prosecuting offenders.

    The episode introduces Hava, an AI-driven system designed to transform maritime law enforcement from reactive to proactive. Hava aggregates data from millions of sources in multiple languages, tracks vessel movements, maps criminal networks, and predicts threats by connecting disparate events. This allows authorities to focus on "vessels of concern" before crimes occur. Successful cases include the refusal of fishing licenses to vessels with criminal records and uncovering illegal fishing fleets.

    However, technology alone is not enough. Human expertise, ethical considerations, and international cooperation remain essential. Hava’s development involved consultation with law enforcement, ethicists, and even criminals to reduce bias and close loopholes. Collaboration and transparency are vital to overcoming resistance related to data sovereignty and economic concerns.

    Looking forward, this AI framework could expand beyond crime fighting to environmental protection, supply chain security, and climate resilience. The episode ends with a call to action: humanity must choose between ongoing ocean degradation or embracing transparency and sustainable stewardship through innovative technology and global partnership.

    References

    Belhabib, Dyhia. (2023, October). Can AI catch criminals at sea? [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/dyhia_belhabib_can_ai_catch_criminals_at_sea
    続きを読む 一部表示
    15 分
  • Leak-Proof Power: Why the Stern Tube Matters

    Leak-Proof Power: Why the Stern Tube Matters
    2025/08/26

    This episode takes an eye-opening, human-centered tour through the hidden world of stern tube systems—the critical technology that lets ships move massive loads across oceans without leaking oil or water. It weaves in a mix of personal perspective, odd historical details, quirky engineering breakthroughs, and today’s environmental reality checks. Readers will unravel how this system works, how it evolved from wood and water to high-tech composites and air barriers, and what it means for shipping’s efficiency and sustainability. Expect anecdotes, unexpected analogies, and a candid look at engineering’s unsung heroes behind the world’s biggest ships.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    26 分
  • Invisible Engineering How Cryogenic Pipe Supports Power Global LNG Transport

    Invisible Engineering How Cryogenic Pipe Supports Power Global LNG Transport
    2025/08/21
    Cryogenic Pipe Support Systems on Membrane LNG CarriersIntroduction and ContextThe global energy transition has elevated Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to a pivotal role, driving the expansion of maritime transport infrastructure. Membrane-type LNG carriers, which transport LNG at approximately -162°C, are central to this infrastructure. The operational reliability and safety of these vessels are heavily dependent on the meticulous design and maintenance of their cryogenic piping systems and, critically, their associated supports.As highlighted in the source, cryogenic pipe supports are "not merely structural components; they represent a critical interface between extremely low-temperature cargo systems and the ambient hull structure, demanding specialized engineering to manage thermal contraction, dynamic vessel motions, and fire safety protocols." Failure in these supports can lead to severe consequences, including "compromised insulation, structural fatigue, or, in severe instances, breaches of the cargo containment system, posing substantial safety and economic risks."This briefing document synthesizes key themes from the provided source, focusing on the unique challenges, failure mechanisms, and best practices pertinent to cryogenic pipe supports on membrane LNG carriers, particularly those employing GTT Mark III containment systems.Main Themes and Most Important Ideas/Facts1. Unique Challenges of Membrane LNG Carrier Architecture for Pipe SupportsMembrane LNG carriers (GTT NO96, Mark III) present distinct design challenges for pipe supports compared to Moss-type (spherical) carriers due to their sensitive cargo containment systems:Sensitive Containment System: Membrane systems feature thin metallic membranes (Invar or corrugated stainless steel) backed by complex insulation (plywood, polyurethane foam boxes, or perlite-filled plywood boxes). This system is "inherently sensitive to localized loads and thermal anomalies."Avoidance of "Hard Spots": Pipe support foundations must be meticulously designed to avoid creating "hard spots" or cold bridges that could compromise the containment integrity. This requires load-spreading baseplates and chocks to "distribute loads evenly, and localized point loads transmitted through the deck can compromise their structural integrity or create thermal short circuits."Hull Flexibility: The "unique structural behavior of these vessels, characterized by significant hull girder flexibility and localized deck deflections during seaway operations," further complicates support design by inducing cyclic loads on foundations.Critical Interfaces: Tank domes, deck penetrations, and machinery connections are highly sensitive areas. Supports in these zones must "account for the limited allowable loads and moments on sensitive nozzles" and ensure pipe movements do not impose excessive stresses. "Proper sealing and vapor barrier continuity are paramount at these interfaces."2. Cryogenic Piping Systems and Specific Support RequirementsThe various piping systems on LNG carriers each have unique support considerations:Cargo Vapor Headers & Crossovers: These large-diameter lines experience significant thermal contraction (-162°C) and require "robust support systems that permit controlled movement while restraining the pipe against vessel motions." Sliding supports with low-friction materials are common.Dome Piping (Spray, Stripping, ESD Lines): These intricate lines directly interface with sensitive tank domes. Supports must "accommodate movements without transmitting excessive forces or moments to the dome nozzles." Anchor and guide placement is critical to direct thermal expansion away from these sensitive zones, especially during rapid thermal transients of ESD events.Nitrogen Purge & Interbarrier Space Piping: These lines must be "gastight and designed to withstand the low temperatures of any leaked LNG vapor" and supported without compromising barrier integrity. Inspection of interbarrier lines is challenging due to limited access.Fuel Gas Supply Systems (FGSS): For dual-fuel vessels, FGSS piping requires supports that manage thermal contraction, accommodate ship motions, and ensure integrity at connections to vibration-prone machinery. "Fire safety and hazardous area compliance are paramount."3. Regulatory Frameworks and Technical GuidanceA multi-layered regulatory environment governs the design of these critical components:Classification Society Rules (ABS, DNV): These societies establish comprehensive rules (derived from IGC Code, IGF Code) for design, construction, and survey. They "mandate the consideration of ship motion envelopes (longitudinal, transverse, and vertical accelerations) and prescribe factors for combining these loads with sustained and thermal loads." They also cover material selection and NDE.GTT Outfitting Guidelines: As the licensor for membrane systems, GTT issues detailed guidelines that are "crucial for pipe support design." These specify "prohibited ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    18 分
  • After Beirut: What LNG Ships Mean for Urban Ports

    After Beirut: What LNG Ships Mean for Urban Ports
    2025/08/17
    LNG: Unveiling the "Tamed Bomb" - Myths, Facts, and Safety Measures On August 4, 2020, the world was shaken by the catastrophic explosion at the Port of Beirut—a poignant reminder of the destructive potential of stored energy. While the Beirut tragedy was devastating, it also raised important questions about hazardous cargo stored or transported near urban centers. Today, we delve into liquefied natural gas (LNG), often referred to as the "tamed bomb," to explore its energy potential, safety systems, and why this nickname may be misleading.What Is LNG and Why the "Tamed Bomb" Analogy?LNG, primarily composed of methane, is stored in its liquid state at an astonishingly cold -162°C. A typical LNG carrier holds approximately 174,000 cubic meters of this super-chilled liquid, equating to around 78.3 million kilograms of LNG. To put this into perspective, the total chemical energy in an LNG ship is roughly 3.9 petajoules, or about 62 times the energy released by the Hiroshima atomic bomb.While these numbers are staggering, the comparison to a bomb is misleading. The key difference lies in *how* the energy is released. Unlike the instantaneous, supersonic energy release of a nuclear or high-explosive detonation, LNG energy release happens at a much slower, controlled rate. This distinction makes LNG fundamentally safer than the analogy suggests.How LNG Incidents Differ from Other ExplosionsLet’s revisit the Beirut explosion, involving 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely. The blast was caused by a specific reaction called deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT), which generates a destructive supersonic shockwave. LNG, on the other hand, cannot detonate in the same manner.If LNG is spilled, it rapidly vaporizes upon contact with warmer surfaces, forming a cold, dense vapor cloud. For ignition, the methane concentration in air must fall within a narrow flammable range of 5% to 15%. Most LNG-related incidents result in either a rapid burn (deflagration) or potentially a vapor cloud explosion (VCE). Even in a VCE, the resulting pressure is significantly lower than that of high-order detonations like Beirut.Learning from Historical Port DisastersWhile LNG has specific hazards, past port disasters involving other materials offer crucial lessons for handling hazardous substances:Halifax Explosion (1917): A munitions ship collision caused a 2.9-kiloton explosion, underscoring the need for clear communication and public hazard awareness.Texas City Disaster (1947): Fires on ammonium nitrate-loaded ships led to catastrophic explosions, highlighting the importance of understanding material risks and improving emergency protocols.Buncefield Incident (2005): A gasoline terminal explosion emphasized the necessity of safety systems like alarms and containment to prevent escalation.Tianjin Explosions (2015): Blatant regulatory violations led to massive chemical explosions, showcasing the critical need for strict enforcement of safety measures.Despite different materials and causes, these tragedies reveal universal principles for port safety: accurate inventory management, segregation of hazardous materials, designing for failures, and rigorous emergency response training.LNG's Robust Multi-Layered Safety SystemsThe LNG industry operates under a comprehensive safety framework designed to prevent accidents and mitigate risks. Here’s a closer look at its safeguards:Double Containment Tanks: LNG carriers feature primary and secondary barriers, ensuring redundancy to prevent leaks.Gas Detection Systems: Sensors continuously monitor methane levels, triggering alarms at concentrations far below explosive limits.Inert Gas Systems: Nitrogen-filled spaces around tanks create a non-flammable atmosphere, minimizing ignition risks.Emergency Shutdown Systems: Automated systems isolate leaks, shut valves, and activate fail-safe mechanisms instantly.Pressure Management: Boil-off gas is reused as fuel or safely vented to prevent overpressure.These engineering controls are reinforced by stringent operational protocols, such as the IMO’s IGC Code, industry best practices by SIGTTO, and local port authority regulations. Continuous crew training and drills further ensure that everyone is prepared to respond effectively to emergencies.A Hypothetical Near-Miss ScenarioImagine an LNG carrier navigating through dense fog near a busy port. A faint hiss from a pressure relief valve is detected by a vigilant crew member. Here’s how the safety systems would work together:The bridge reduces speed, and escort tugs maintain the vessel’s exclusion zone.Trained crew members use portable methane detectors to assess the leak, confirming it is well below explosive limits.Pressure is adjusted to reduce gas escape, and emergency shutdown systems are prepared to isolate the valve if needed.The leak is repaired under strict safety protocols, and the incident is resolved with no harm.This example illustrates how LNG safety systems are ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    21 分