- Discharging of Liquefied Natural Gas vessels at designated ports
The LNG tanker "Iberica Knutsen" has successfully unloaded its cargo at the Mukran port following a three-day ordeal after running aground off the coast of Rügen. According to a spokesperson for Deutsche Regas, the company responsible for operating the LNG terminal in Mukran, the tanker is expected to depart again on Sunday evening.
On Thursday morning, the LNG tanker ran aground for unknown reasons, prompting an investigation by the Coast Guard against the vessel's captain. Despite the incident, reports suggest that the tanker suffered no damage. On Friday, it was inspected by a surveyor, and divers also examined the hull of the vessel.
Following the grounding, the tanker was successfully freed and temporarily anchored off the coast of Sassnitz before being towed to the port of Mukran on Saturday morning. In the port, the regasification ship "Neptune" converted the liquefied LNG back into its gaseous state, which is then fed into the long-distance gas network.
Another LNG ship is expected to arrive at Mukran within the same week, while the terminal's current utilization remains high, according to Deutsche Regas. The company also plans to reinstall a second FSRU at the site in the future. All available regasification slots at Mukran for 2025 have already been allocated.
No injuries or environmental damage were reported in the incident. The "Iberica Knutsen" has been anchored since the investigation began and will undergo a full hull survey as part of the ongoing probe.
- Given the successful unloading of the LNG cargo, the community policy regarding vocational training could be revised to include maritime safety and emergency procedures in the curriculum for future personnel in the LNG industry.
- As the LNG industry continues to expand, investments in renewable-energy sources might be considered to reduce overall carbon emissions in the transportation sector, particularly in the automotive industry.
- In order to ensure financial viability, Deutsche Regas could consider exploring opportunities in vocational training programs, tailored to meet the specific needs of employees in the LNG and renewable-energy industries, thereby enhancing their overall efficiency and productivity.
