Navigational safety of LNG tankers in emergency situations

LNG import terminals are under construction in the Baltic Sea ports Klaipeda and Świnoujście and should start operations in 2014. LNG tankers in Klaipeda port should cross port up to the end of the port. Probability of possible emergency situations with LNG tankers is very low, but in the same time it is necessary to take all possible precaution measures to avoid accidents with LNG tankers in any cases, especially in port areas. “Black out” on the LNG ships is very dangerous in ports areas, because there is very limited channel’s width and other port water areas, and it is necessary to steer vessel in such situations as well. Theoretical calculations of the precaution measures, simulations and practical training of the ship and tugs masters, port pilots and VTS operators should help in such emergency situations. This article is oriented to explain theoretical calculation methods for the LNG tankers steering by tugs in case of “black out” situations, simulations’ results and practical recommendations for the Port Authorities, port pilots, ships’ and tugs’ masters that will be possible to minimize LNG ships’ incidents and accidents probability in port areas.