LNG Masterplan for Rhine-Main-Danube will be ready soon

Falck Risc in the lead for LNG emergency regulations in the European Union: Rotterdam unites safety research with first LNG training facility

The Dutch company Falck Risc is becoming the number one expert on LNG safety in Europe. Together with the Unified Fire Department, it will draw up guidelines and recommendations for emergency response services in dealing with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). This study is part of the LNG Masterplan Rhine-Main Danube and will be ready at the end of this year. As coordinator for the Rhine Corridor in this European project, Port of Rotterdam Authority is in charge of this research project by Falck Risc.

Falck Risc and the United Fire Department won the tender for a LNG safety study wich was commissioned by the European Union (TEN-T) as an important part of the LNG Masterplan. These two organizations were chosen because of their elaborate expertise on emergency repression. René de Vries (Harbour Master at Port of Rotterdam) explains: “Their pragmatic approach will lead to direct input on how to act in case of a LNG incident in the inland navigation sector. Emergency response organisations in the entire Rhine-Main-Danube area, ranging from Rotterdam to Constanta (Romania), will benefit from this study.” Together with the ports of Antwerp, Mannheim, Strasbourg and Switzerland, the outcome will lead to practical advices and strategic methods how emergency response can be aligned for inland navigation.

“This study is a big step towards creating a harmonized and efficient European regulatory framework for LNG as fuel and cargo in inland navigation”, says De Vries. “One of the main aims of the LNG Masterplan.” The research for the study is now in progress and the final report is expected at the end of 2014. The proposed recommendations will be send to the European Union to create an unified set of regulations and guidelines about the transport and use of LNG for inland shipping.

Global demand for LNG as fuel and cargo is on the rise and port of Rotterdam functions as the biggest LNG hub in Europe. Also in terms of safety Rotterdam is leading the way. Falck Risc, based in the port of Rotterdam, is not only expert in LNG regulation recommendations, but is professionally skilled in how to act safely while handling LNG as well. Last week it opens the very first northwest European training facility for liquefied natural gas on the Rotterdam Maasvlakte.

www.portofrotterdam.com/en

Quelle: LogEastics
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