LNG Tanker Runs Aground Near Rügen - No Reported Casualties - Liquefied Natural Gas vessel encounters grounding incident on Rügen island, resulting in no reported harm to individuals.
An LNG tanker, identified as the "Iberica Knutsen," ran aground early this morning off the Mukran seaport of Rügen Island. The vessel, carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG), was safely towed to Sassnitz's roadstead with the help of numerous tugboats, according to local authorities. No injuries were reported, and there were no signs of environmental damage or cargo loss in the Baltic Sea.
The investigation into the incident has been handed over to the water police in Sassnitz. Meanwhile, environmental groups are calling for stricter safety measures, particularly during the LNG delivery and offloading process. Sascha Müller-Kraenner, the federal managing director of German Environmental Aid, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safe handling of LNG.
Investigative procedures have been initiated against the responsible ship's captain, and the ship has been ordered to remain in the roadstead until the onboard investigation and assessment of the ship's hull are completed.
Maritime LNG transport is subject to a variety of international and national safety regulations. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying LNG in Bulk (IGC Code) are essential standards governing LNG carrier design, construction, and safety equipment. In addition, vessels operating to or from US terminals must comply with the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 59A standards and US regulations administered by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
To minimize risks, LNG carriers are typically double-hulled and equipped with cryogenic containment systems. Emergency shut-off systems are also crucial for isolating cargo tanks in case of emergencies. Specialized crew training, detailed risk assessments, strict security protocols, comprehensive emergency response plans, and stringent port and terminal safety measures further ensure safe LNG transportation.
Although there have been no major recorded incidents involving LNG at Mukran, Rügen, or Sassnitz in recent times, these facilities could potentially host energy infrastructure. In such a scenario, they would be subject to all of the aforementioned safety and regulatory frameworks to guarantee the most secure LNG transport possible.
- The environmental groups, following the grounding of the LNG tanker "Iberica Knutsen," are advocating for stricter safety measures in LNG delivery and offloading processes, citing the importance of ensuring safe handling of LNG, as emphasized by Sascha Müller-Kraenner from German Environmental Aid.
- To prevent potential risks in LNG transport, international regulations such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying LNG in Bulk (IGC Code) govern the design, construction, and safety equipment of LNG carriers.
- As the investigation into the grounding of the "Iberica Knutsen" continues, it underscores the need for designated facilities hosting energy infrastructure, such as Mukran, Rügen, or Sassnitz, to adhere to stringent safety and regulatory frameworks, ensuring the most secure LNG transport possible.
