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The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a provider of shipping and offshore classification services, has published a new advisory about LNG bunkering in response to the industry's growing interest in gas propulsion.

The LNG Bunkering: Technical and Operational Advisory explores the benefits, challenges, and solutions associated with fuelling vessels equipped with LNG power systems.

Roy Bleiberg, ABS' Director of Global Gas Solutions, commented: "Ship owners, operators, designers and shipyards around the world are considering the advantages that operating on natural gas may provide.

"However, when considering any new or evolving technology, it is important to have a clear understanding of not only the benefits, but the challenges that may be involved."

The advisory offers an extensive overview of potential solutions and current practices associated with LNG bunkering from the perspectives of an LNG fuel provider and gas-fuelled vessel operator.

"Some of the key areas that are addressed in this Advisory are properties of LNG, critical design issues, operational issues aboard the gas-fuelled ship as well as bunkering vessels, proper procedures, crew training and the means to promote safe operations with needed risk assessments," Bleiberg continued.

ABS established its Global Gas Solutions team in August 2013. Since then, it has been awarded several contracts that have reaffirmed its position as a leading provider of classification services to the gas segment.

The list of awards includes classification contracts for the world's first LNG-fuelled containership, North America's first LNG barge, the world's first very large ethane carrier, the world's first compressed natural gas carrier and the first dual-fuelled OSV built in North America.