LNG Safety Facts

• LNG is not stored or transported under pressure.
• LNG is composed primarily of methane. In the case of a spill, the LNG will warm up and revert back to its gaseous state and because it is lighter than air, it will quickly dissipate.
• LNG is not flammable or explosive in its liquid state. LNG vapours are only flammable within a limited range of concentration. If the percentage of natural gas in the air is less than 5% it cannot burn because of insufficient fuel. If there is more than 15% natural gas, it cannot burn because of insufficient oxygen.
  

LNG Shipping
The LNG shipping industry has an impressive safety record. Since commercial LNG shipping began in 1959, there have been no serious accidents at sea or at port.
LNG is transported in double hulled ships specifically designed to handle the liquefied gas at -162 degrees Celsius. There are two types of LNG carriers: membrane tankers and MOSS tankers.

Both types of LNG carriers are designed with safety features to ensure safe marine transportation. The LNG is stored in non-pressurized containment systems, made up of a primary and secondary containment, all within the double hull of the ship.

Crews on all LNG ships must clear checks by the Canadian Coast Guard as well as Canadian Customs and Immigration. This is true for all ships and crews entering Canadian ports. A list of all crew members aboard all LNG ships destined for Canaport LNG will be communicated to the security team prior to its arrival.

There is also a marine safety zone of 926 metres or ½ a nautical mile while the ship is in transit. This safety zone stipulates that no other ships can be within this area while the ship is in transit.

LNG Unloading
Before arriving at the Canaport LNG Terminal, the ship will be in contact with terminal operators. The pier at Canaport LNG is designed to withstand worst-case scenario weather. We use a number of weather monitoring tools to study the weather, including wave meters, current meters, and wind monitors. A ship will only be brought to the pier when weather conditions are right.

Once the ship is secured to the pier by multiple docking lines and stabilizing connections, communications cables are attached to the ship from the dock to enable communications during the unloading process. Meetings are held between the ship’s captain and the cargo officer to review procedures and communications and all emergency systems are tested to ensure they are operational and secure. Throughout arrival and departure, constant radio communication is maintained between the terminal and the ship.

The process of unloading LNG is under the constant supervision of the terminal operators and the ship’s crew. The four unloading arms are equipped with automatic shut-off in case of emergency and can be operated remotely or manually. They also provide a flexible connection to the LNG tankers in order to accommodate the wide range of tidal movements in the Bay of Fundy.

Additionally, there is a safety zone while a ship is on the jetty. While an LNG ship is docked at Canaport LNG, no other ships can enter this safety zone.

After the transfer of LNG, the arms are disconnected and the ship departs. Depending on the size of the ship, the entire unloading process takes approximately 24-36 hours.

LNG Storage
The LNG brought to the Canaport LNG Terminal is stored in specially designed LNG storage tanks that are insulated to keep the LNG cold and contained until it is regasified. They consist of an inner shell of 9% nickel steel, an interstitial space filled with insulation followed by an external outer shell of concrete and a roof made of reinforced concrete with a carbon steel liner.

Canaport LNG uses advanced monitoring systems to immediately detect any potential liquid or natural gas leaks or fires.

LNG Security
We maintain a highly trained security force at the Terminal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally we are using numerous advanced technologies to maintain the safety and security of employees and our neighbours.

The Canadian Marine Transportation Security Act and Regulations does not allow port facilities to discuss any detailed security measures. However, a Marine Facility Security Plan for the Canaport LNG facility has been written and submitted to Transport Canada; subsequently receiving Transport Canada approval.