Brookes Bell Supports UK P&I Club with Updated LNG Bunkering Safety Guidelines

The UK P&I Club has released the second edition of its Risk Focus: LNG Bunkering – A Guide to Safe LNG Bunkering Practices, developed in collaboration with Brookes Bell.

As the maritime industry increasingly adopts liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a transitional fuel in its drive toward decarbonisation, this updated guide offers timely, practical support for professionals navigating the complexities of LNG operations. While LNG presents clear environmental advantages over conventional marine fuels, its handling and transfer involve unique safety, operational, and regulatory challenges.

Available now from the UK P&I Club, the publication serves as a vital resource for shipowners, operators, and crews, helping ensure that safety remains the top priority in LNG bunkering practices. [Download the guide here]

The guide offers detailed advice on operational preparation and risk management, with emphasis on pre-bunkering protocols and tank preparation procedures such as gassing-up and cool-down. It addresses key technical considerations including the LNG Bunkering Compatibility Record (LBCR), mooring analysis, and vapor dispersant modelling in the event of a spill. These insights help operators maintain operational integrity while minimising the risk of incidents.

Emergency response planning, crew training, and compliance with the IGF Code are core components of the guide. By outlining best practices for incident management, crew readiness, and safety zone control, the publication outlines ways maritime professionals can respond effectively to emergencies, protect personnel, and safeguard both the vessel and the environment.

Commenting on the release, Amandeep Bedi, Managing Marine Engineer at Brookes Bell, said:

“LNG bunkering is a complex operation that demands both technical expertise and strict adherence to safety protocols. Brookes Bell’s collaboration with the UK P&I Club brings together risk management and operational knowledge to produce guidance that is both practical and authoritative for shipowners and operators worldwide. We’re proud to support these guidelines, which we believe are essential to carrying out LNG bunkering safely and efficiently.”

This document reflects Brookes Bell’s ongoing commitment to raising industry standards and sharing expertise in emerging fuels and technologies.  By combining technical insight with practical advice and a strong focus on safety culture, the guide explains how the industry can manage risks, meet regulatory requirements, and conduct LNG bunkering operations with confidence.