Inspections and vetting carried out by charterers, buyers, terminal operators and sellers has been an integral part of ship operations in both oil tankers and LPG carrier operations for more than 25 years and has improved the operating standards. As LNG ships have tended to operate under long-term contractual arrangements they have not been exposed to vetting.
Recent changes in trading patterns have resulted in short-term freight contracts, involving vessels trading to new ports. As a result charterers, buyers, terminal operators and sellers must be sure that the condition, operation and ownership of the vessels are of an acceptable standard, by applying ship inspection and vetting systems to LNG shipping.
This publication draws on information learned from the oil industry and passes it on to all concerned parties involved in vetting LNG ships. It also contains information about the practices of some individual companies and these examples are purely for guidance only.
SECTION 1 – AN OVERVIEW OF SHIP VETTING
1.1 ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1.2 THE ELEMENTS OF VETTING
1.2.1 SHIP/SHORE COMPATIBILITY
1.2.2 ASSESSING SHIP QUALITY
1.2.3 ASSESSMENT FOR USE
1.3 THE ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS OF VETTING IN AN LNG CONTEXT
SECTION 2 – APPLICATION OF VETTING IN AN LNG CONTEXT
2.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE
2.2 PERSONNEL
2.3 SHIP/SHORE COMPATIBILITY
2.4 TRANSPARENCY
2.5 FLEXIBILITY
2.6 INSPECTIONS AND SIRE
2.7 AGE
2.8 CLEARANCES
SECTION 3 – SPECIFIC ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 TO INSPECTORS AND INSPECTION COMPANIES
3.2 TO VETTING DEPARTMENTS
3.3 TO LNG CHARTERERS, BROKERS AND COMMERCIAL OPERATORS
3.4 TO LNG SHIP MANAGERS/OWNERS/POOL OPERATORS
3.5 TO SHIP'S STAFF
3.6 TO LNG TERMINAL OPERATORS
3.7 TO SHIP'S AGENTS
REFERENCES
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDICES
GLOSSARY
The purpose of SIGTTO is to promote shipping and terminal operations for liquefied gases which are safe, environmentally responsible and reliable. To fulfil this mission it will:
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Proactively develop best operating practices and guideline
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Sustain a learning environment by sharing lessons learned
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Promote training and development of all within the industry
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Foster mutually beneficial relationships with regulatory authorities and other stakeholders
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Conduct its business with professionalism and integrity
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