ABSTRACT
A review of the various failure causes of LNG leaks onboard the maritime LNG units, other than external accidental causes, is presented. The risk of LNG leaks is a primary safety challenge against the expansion in the maritime LNG segment, in particular, the LNG fuelled ship class. Therefore, the identification of the various causes of leaks and their critical development factors is the starting point for managing the risk of accidental releases onboard this segment of ships. The effect of the various technical, human, organisational, and environmental operational risk factors on developing these failure causes is discussed. Afterwards, the critical factors of realising LNG leaks onboard each facility type are highlighted. Further discussion regarding the shortage in number of competent crew who will be needed to fulfil the future workforce demand onboard LNG fuelled ships is also given.
