Houston, Texas-based FMC Technologies’ (FMC) has introduced a new bunkering loading arm (BOA) for ship-to-ship LNG refuelling. Similar to its established shore-based and offshore loading arm concepts, the new BOA is made of rigid, articulated piping and equipped with FMC’s quick connect/disconnect coupler (QC/DC), Chiksan swivel joints, as well as emergency-release system (ERS) technologies.
A passive, drybreak QC/DC system and emergency shutdown (ESD) valves are fitted on the LNG lines at the connection point with the outboard hoses. Any excessive stress on the flexible hose triggers an emergency disconnect and a hose brake is in place to control the fall.