The training of officers and crew of LNG-fuelled vessels: a case study of Norway

Abstract

Most of the world’s fleet has been running on heavy fuel oils but a shift of paradigm seems to be on the way as we move towards a generalized use of LNG as marine fuel . Consequently, the need of preparing the officers and crew for handling LNG becomes evident, and rather urgent. Currently, only Norway has experience on operating LNG-fuelled vessels other than LNG carriers. This report studied the Norwegian experience, with two purposes: a) To describe what training was needed for officers and crew of LNG fuelled vessels, and how it was developed in Norway for meeting those needs. b) To find out if there are any lessons to be learned from that experience. The methodology followed is that of a case study based on literature study, a questionnaire based on the Training Need Analysis model, and interviews to two Norwegian shipowners and a course supplier. Content analysis of the data was used to find patterns in the information and to synthetize results, and to relate findings to the theoretical framework of the subject. Main conclusions: • Training needs identified included the knowledge of critical properties of LNG, of the critical moments for bunkering LNG, knowledge of the LNG fuel system, its associated systems and impact on vessel operation (maneuvering of the vessel, maintenance and emergencies) ; • How training was developed: training needs were recognized early on and training plans were developed early, in collaboration between ship owners, equipment suppliers and other experts in LNG and gas fuel systems, courses were differentiated by crew duties onboard (two levels /three categories), internal/external courses. Moreover, training has been ship specific. • Lessons learned: the absence of reported gas-related accidents suggest that training solutions developed by Norway are successful, at least for a relatively small fleet. There are indications that the model with two levels/three categories for differentiated training may be used in the future internationally. The requirement of ship specific training could have negative impact if gas-fuelled fleet expands rapidly though.