Since 2010 MARIN has been involved in several test cases with the HiLoad DP system, an L-shaped body that can attach itself to the keel of a vessel using suction plates.


LNG Parallel Loading concept tested on MARIN’s bridge simulator


Dimitri van Heel, d.v.heel@marin.nl


The HiLoad is equipped with thrusters, which are controlled by a Dynamic Position- ing system. In this way it gives standard vessels a DP capability. HiLoad LNG AS and Technip developed a new concept called ‘LNG Parallel Loading System (PLS)’, in which the HiLoad is used to increase the operability of LNG loading operations.


Presently, LNG loading operations require a vessel to moor in tandem or alongside a floating LNG storage platform (FLNG). But side-by-side operations are limited by waves and tandem operations require long loading hoses to transport the liquefied gas.


The Parallel Loading System is based on the principle that the HiLoad can keep the load- ing point of the LNG carrier in parallel at the


aft starboard side of the FLNG, but without the need to come alongside. For heading control a support vessel and/or the LNG carrier’s own steering means can be used. Technip sponsored a simulation session in which a turret moored FLNG and a conven- tional LNG carrier, supported by the HiLoad and a supply vessel, were simulated on MARIN’s bridge simulators. The HiLoad’s DP control system, provided by Kongsberg Maritime, was hooked up to the MARIN simulators.


During the simulation session a number of scenarios were carried out in extreme conditions. The simulations were witnessed by marine specialists from several large oil companies. Emergency operations included HiLoad blackout, FLNG Support Vessel


hawser breakage, squalls and the unlikely event of a total blackout on all vessels/sys- tems. All scenarios were dealt with in a safe and controlled manner. This can largely be attributed to the fact that the LNG carrier can be held in a ‘down weather’ position, where environmental forces will push the LNGC away from the FLNG in case the position can’t be held.


The simulator proved to be a great tool to demonstrate the value of a new type of operation and to explore its possibilities and limits. A paper on this promising concept will be presented at the OTC in Houston.


Operational Simulations of Safe LNG Offloading to Con- ventional LNG Carriers in Severe Open Sea Environments, OTC-27119, Wednesday May 4, 11:42-12:04


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