Stream Marine Training is launching a new LNG training course
SMT says it is joining forces with Belgium-based LNG consulting firm CryoAdvise and industrial gas supplier BOC to develop the course, which is one of the few in the UK. It has been designed to raise greater awareness and drive safety standards within LNG operating procedures.
SMT Head of Operations and Technical Tony In’t Hout said the course, which includes cryogenic testing, had been successfully launched with CALMAC ferries. It is now being delivered on a monthly basis, but can be arranged on demand. It runs across two-days at SMT’s headquarters at Glasgow Airport and at BOC’s sites in Cambuslang or Motherwell.
“The aim of this new partnership is to create a ‘center of excellence’ for LNG training within our world-class training facilities” said Mr. In’t Hout. “We have developed the course in response to a surge in uptake in LNG consumers, and in particular an increased training demand from smaller operators within the LNG market. We are offering a unique and flexible course providing the very latest information, guidance and safety training. Essentially, it enables commercial maritime companies to educate all employees that work within the LNG market including port facility workers, ship yard workers and first responders. Local council workers, truck drivers and those working on vessels and within factories using LNG will also benefit.
“The first day of the course provides an introduction to LNG and the drivers for using the product as a fuel. It further covers the properties, ecology, hazards, regulations and economic facts associated with the energy source. We review the different types of tanks used for storage, tank management, delivery methods and setting up technical specifications for LNG fueling systems. Delegates will also learn about all aspects of bunkering. The second day will involve more practical learning on site with BOC. This covers safety management systems and risk assessment in bunkering operations and will look at the associated risks with the advantage of seeing the equipment and systems first hand.”
SMT is a member of the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF) and one of the UK’s fastest growing safety training companies. Founded in 2014, it specializes in fire-fighting, sea survival, rescue craft and health & safety courses, geared towards the maritime, oil and gas, renewables and construction sectors. In just two years SMT has driven turnover rapidly to circa £2million with 22 full-time staff and 15 consultants.
BOC is the UK and Ireland’s largest supplier of industrial gases and related equipment, providing a practical training environment for the course.
CryoAdvise CEO Jan Van Houwenhove said the LNG training is based on the ‘International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels’ – an IGF Code developed by the International Maritime Organization.
“As the maritime sector sets new standards in ship and employee safety, the SMT LNG course aims to provide complete awareness of what LNG is and its physical properties,” said Mr. Van Houwenhove. “Anyone coming into contact with LNG along the supply chain needs to understand how to work with it, including safety and handling. Participants will learn about safe storage of LNG and bunkering operations. It will provide further insight into requirements for safety management systems and risk assessment as students work with real equipment, close-up. The course should appeal to anyone looking to expand their knowledge of LNG and LNG operations. It will allow practitioners the opportunity to learn and develop new skills in world class facilities easily accessible both within the UK and internationally.”
