The FLBT(Floating LNG Bunkering Terminal) is a new concept offshore plant system, the operation of which few people are thought to be experienced with. FLBT receives LNG from 170K CBM (170,000m3) class LNG carrier and can unload LNG to two bunkering shuttles simultaneously. High level of traffic congestion may occur around FLBT in case that 3 LNG vessels berth or unberth simultaneously. Loading arm operations to load/unload LNG from FLBT to bunkering shuttles or from LNG carrier to FLBT may also be difficult because FLBT and LNG ships are in relative motion according to the environmental conditions, which means that loading arm operator should be highly experienced and trained to cope with various unexpected situations. To assess overall safety involved with FLBT operations, ship navigation simulator system(both for LNG ships and FLBT), loading arm operation simulator systems have been developed. PPU(portable pilot unit) system to aid pilots of LNG carriers approaching to FLBT has also been developed.
In this paper, the application results of these simulator systems for the assessment of overall operational safety of FLBT system are described. The berthing/unberthing operation as well as loading arm operation simulation results under various environmental conditions are analyzed to make interim safety guidelines of FLBT operations. The usefulness of PPU system to aid pilots during berthing/unberthing operations are also tested under various simulation conditions.
The FLBT is a new concept offshore plant system which has not ever been built or operated (Yun et al, 2015). To establish operational concept and to test design feasibility of FLBT at its initial design stage, various types of simulator systems are being developed. These are shiphandling simulator system, loading arm simulator system, and FLBT simulator system, respectively.
Since the design concept of FLBT operation system is to allow LNG carrier as well as bunkering shuttles to operate together, the simultaneous operation of these LNG vessels may increase traffic congestion around FLBT and may cause high level of collision risks.
