Methanol Bunkering – A Step-by-Step Framework for Risk Mitigation, SIMOPS, and Low-Flashpoint Fluid Transfers

By the end of this 3 days training course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the properties and hazards of methanol as a marine fuel.
• Understand the key components of a methanol bunkering system and its emergency shutdown features.
• Apply the specific safety procedures and risk assessments required for methanol bunkering operations, including SIMOPS.
• Recognise the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved during a bunkering operation and the importance of personnel training.
• Outline the correct emergency response procedures for methanol spills, leaks, or fires.
• Recognise and complete the required regulatory and commercial documentation (e.g., Bunker Delivery Note) and its importance.

This course has been designed for professionals working in the energy sector looking to further develop their careers to keep up to date on emerging technologies.

• Ship Masters and Chief Officers accountable in command, regulatory compliance oversight, communication protocols, and executing the Methanol Bunkering Management Plan and pre-bunkering verification checks.
• Chief Engineers, Second Engineers, and Engine Room Personnel responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Methanol Containment System, associated transfer equipment (loading arms, hoses, couplings), and ensuring the correct functioning of safety systems like ESD (Emergency Shut Down) Systems and ERC (Emergency Release Couplings).
• Vessel Management expertise functioning for overall operational safety, crew competency, fleet regulatory compliance, and the implementation of Industry Best Practices across the fleet.
• Bunker Barge Masters directly participating in the supply side of Ship-to-Ship or Terminal-to-Ship transfers, focusing on managing the bunkering interface, transfer rates, and ensuring safe Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS).
• Bunkering Surveyors, Marine Surveyors, and Inspectors ensuring compliance with IMO Safety Requirements for low-flashpoint fuels, confirm the accuracy of transferred quantities and quality, and safeguard the proper completion of essential documentation.
• HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) Officers conducting formal Risk Assessments, defining and enforcing specific Emergency Response protocols for methanol spills and fires, and warranting personnel safety standards are met.

• Basic
• Intermediate

This course will provide comprehensive learning resources, including course materials for future reference. Each topic will commence with a clearly defined intended learning outcome (LO). The learning experience will be enriched through diverse activities such as quizzes, videos, and assessments, ensuring engagement and understanding. In addition to the core material, participants will have access to additional resources like articles, case studies, and tools. The course structure incorporates interactive elements, such as group discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, enhancing hands-on learning experiences. Q&A sessions will provide opportunities for clarifications and deeper understanding.

Your expert instructor is a maritime professional, engineer, and compliance specialist with over 40 years of experience in vessel operations, marine safety, and the technical implementation of low-flashpoint fuels, making him uniquely qualified to lead this training. His expertise is centered on the practical, safe, and regulatory aspects of the shipping industry’s transition to alternative energy sources, possessing deep knowledge across the entire course syllabus. In 1979, he graduated from the University of Glasgow, UK with 1st class honours degree in Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering and was awarded the Reid Birrell prize in Naval Architecture. He also received further education in International Business Management at the world renowned IMD Business School in Switzerland. He has worked with two leading ship classification societies, ABS, DNV and two major shipyards, Keppel Offshore & Marine and Sembcorp Marine now merged as Seatrium Ltd.

His expertise in promoting LNG as a marine fuel predates the IMO regulation on the International Gas Fuel (IGF) Code. Since year 2000, he was already actively advocating for LNG as a marine fuel in the Middle East and USA when DNV first published its guidelines and regulations approved by the Norwegian Maritime Directorate (NMD), well before IMO adopted it in June 2015 and which later came into force on 1st January 2017. Throughout his career, he has presented technical papers on various LNG technologies and moderated discussions at major maritime gas conferences such as Gastech and other LNG seminars. His extensive knowledge in LNG and alternative fuels in Ammonia, Hydrogen, Methanol and Biofuels led him to actively conduct training programs. These programs cover topics ranging from LNG and alternative fuels, LNG bunkering, The A to Z of LNG carriers, FSRU & Receiving terminals, FLNG and Ship Energy Efficiency technologies.

Additionally, he has been serving as the chair of the sub-committee on LNG as Marine Fuel for the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) since 2011. His contributions to the field of LNG are evident in his articles on LNG containment systems, LNG opportunities in the Caribbeans and Considerations in the design and operation of LNG bunker vessels published in SNAME’s Maritime Technology (MT) magazines. Furthermore, his involvement with the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) has allowed him to provide recommendations to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) on their small-scale LNG policies. Notably, he led a workgroup within CTAC which resulted in the publication of the ASTM F3285-18 Standard Guide for the installation and application of Type C portable tanks for marine service.

His teaching methodology is highly practical, incorporating real-world incidents and developing and executing detailed Scenario-Based Emergency Response drills to ensure all participants, from Ship Officers and Engineers to Port Facility Personnel, are fully prepared for the safe and compliant implementation of methanol bunkering operations.

Unlock the potential of your workforce with customized in-house training programs designed specifically for the energy sector. Our tailored, in-house courses not only enhance employee skills and engagement but also offer significant cost savings by eliminating travel expenses. Invest in your team’s success and achieve specific outcomes aligned with your organization’s goals through our expert training solutions. Request for further information regarding our on-site or in-house training opportunities.

In our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, we will no longer providing hard copy training materials. Instead, all training content and resources will be delivered in digital format. Inspired by the oil and energy industry’s best practices, we are leveraging on digital technologies to reduce waste, lower our carbon emissions, ensuring our training content is always up-to-date and accessible. Click here to learn more.

To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized “One to One” coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster.
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