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The Impact of Long Chain Hydrocarbons in LNG (For LNG carriers and LNG-fuelled ships)
12 May 2023
There has been an increase in the number of cases where LNG cargo contains higher-than-normal levels of Long Chain Hydrocarbons (heavier hydrocarbons), which pose operational challenges for vessels.
Such issues can result in the unavailability of reliquefaction and/or two-stage LDs (for DFDE vessels), can impact safety and lead to claims for loss of cargo or underperformance. Additionally, issues such as manifold strainer clogging during loading, and full/partial reliquefaction plant clogging have also been reported.
Problems can also arise on LNG-fuelled vessels, resulting in clogging of the filter or damage to fuel pumps – which may necessitate debunkering of the LNG fuel so, to help address these issues, INTERTANKO’s Gas Tanker Committee has drafted a guidance document covering the following areas:
- Theoretical understanding of C6+ in LNG.
- Limitation of the quality analysis in determining C6+ of concern.
- Understanding of the issues faced onboard ships due to C6+, including how C6+ actually affects the systems.
- Potential safety, environmental, commercial impacts, and some safeguards available to operators.
