Safer and easier LNG transfer solution from MannTek

A liquefied natural gas small-scale transfer system that promises to revolutionise the LNG industry has been launched by MannTek. The system which has been proved to be lighter, easier to handle and safer for operators than any other system available, has successfully completed an FAT (factory acceptance test) and is now being used on Sirius Shipping and the Anthony Veder Group’s LNG bunker vessel, the Coralius.

The system, which consists of Manntek’s DCC (Dry Cryogenic Couplings), CBC (Cryogenic break-away Couplings), LNG hoses, an ESD (Emergency Shut Down which provides an ESD signal to ship or shore ESD system) and HPN2 (High Pressure Nitrogen System), is lighter, by up to 50%, than any other LNG transfer system available today on the market. It is Currently available in 4″, 6″ and 8″ variants.

This weight-saving is vital to owners and operators of the system as it makes it easier and safer for operators who have to manually lift the connections. MannTek’s CEO Markus Bäckström said: “The lighter design makes for a more maneuverable design which in turn makes the role of the system’s operators easier, and more importantly, safer.”

To protect the system’s operators, the MannTek team has ensured the system achieves a number of international standards and meets the requirements of a range of regulatory bodies including SIGTTO, SGMF, ISO, EN, Class approval with DNV, BV and Lloyds. The Transfer system can also be provided with a SIL 2 classification.

MannTek’s engineers have used their years of experience, along with knowledge gained via meeting with clients, to come up with the innovative design which has seen the weight loss within the system.

Markus said: “We have taken the issues raised by our customers and engineered a solution that makes the system simpler and lighter to use thereby reducing risk to operators and the equipment.”

As well as boasting impressive usability credentials, the system also offers lower overall cost of ownership. For the systems’ users both purchase and maintenance costs will be reduced compared to other systems available.

MannTek has been manufacturing LNG transfer systems for nearly three years and has substantial experience of the medium in an industry which is relatively young.

MannTek is recognised as a leading brand with regards to the engineering and manufacture of Cryogenic couplings. “The company’s DCCs have connected and transferred LNG 20,000 times, we believe we have the most experience in cryogenic transfer in the industry,” Markus said. “This includes the first Ferry for LNG Viking Grance and the First container ship Tote Maritime,” he added.

On this project, MannTek worked closely with Sirius Shipping, the Anthony Veder Group and Skangas, the vessel’s charter company, on the installation of the system. Markus said: “During the project we have made design suggestions that we felt would improve the way the system is fitted to the vessel. We were involved from a very early stage in design as bunking activities on a vessel need to be able to take place at four different locations.”

The Coralius started operations in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea in September.