Liquefied Gas Carrier

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Fire hazards and precautions on board liquefied gas carriers

A liquefied gas is the liquid form of a substance which, at ambient temperature and at atmospheric pressure, would be a gas.

Most liquefied gases are hydrocarbons and the key property that makes hydrocarbons the world’s primary energy source – combustibility – also makes them inherently hazardous. Because these gases are handled in large quantities, it is imperative that all practical steps are taken to minimize leakage and to limit all sources of ignition.



The avoidance of cargo fires depends upon preventing flammable cargo vapour, oxygen and sources of ignition coming together. Cargo vapours in flammable concentrations are likely to be present in areas such as cargo tanks, cargo machinery spaces and at times on deck. It is essential that all possible sources of ignition are eliminated from these areas, both by design and operation.

Sources of ignition are inevitably present in spaces such as the accommodation, galleys and engine rooms, and it is essential to prevent cargo vapour entering these spaces. Personnel should be continuously on their guard, not only against the more obvious dangers, but also against unforeseen circumstances which could lead to flammable vapours and sources of ignition coming together.
No smoking warning

Fig : All ship carry no smoking warning



If cargo gases are likely to enter the galley the cooking equipment must be shutdown until the source has been located and the gas dispersed.

There are many possible sources of ignition in the engine room and gas carriers are designed to reduce the chances of gas entering these spaces. Doors are located away from the cargo area and ventilation fan intakes are positioned at high level. Entrances to the engine room must be kept shut at all times.

Most LNG carriers burn cargo boil-off as fuel for propulsion and they are specially designed to ensure this is undertaken safely. Accommodation Cargo gases must be excluded from the accommodation areas and potential sources of ignition. All external doors and ports should be kept shut, especially during loading and discharging operations. As for the engine room, ventilation fans are high above the deck to prevent gas entering these spaces and intakes are fitted with closing devices. Some doors may be fitted with airlocks and it is essential that these are used correctly.

Torches and Portable Lighting Use only certified safety torches of an approved type which will be available on board your ship. Hand-held Radios The use of an unapproved radio can be a source of ignition. Use only portable radios of an approved type that have a certification plate similar to that shown at the top of the next page.


Procedure to follow in the event of a fire

In the event of a fire, the initial alarm will be activated either automatically by the fire detection system, or manually by the person discovering the fire.


Procedure in the event of fire while at sea

Action on bridge:
Action on deck :

Procedures in the event of fire on board vessel while in port

ISGOTT provides full information on the issues to be considered in the event of a fire when a ship is in port. Specific information may also be provided by Port and Terminal Authorities detailing actions to be taken both on board ship and by the terminal in the event of a fire.
  1. Sound the ship’s fire alarm, and muster at Fire Stations in the normal manner. Check for missing/injured persons. Gangway watchkeeper to bring to his muster point the Visitors Record Book, to verify the list of shore personnel on board and this will be checked against the shore personnel mustering on board. The tally board will be checked to verify if missing crewmembers are ashore.


  2. In addition to the above, sound any special Fire Alarm on the ship’s whistle as per Terminal requirements. Any specific terminal requirements will have been advised during the preoperations ship / shore discussion and meeting. If none advised, the sound “J” on the ship’s whistle.


  3. Activate ESD. Stop all cargo/ballast/bunkering operations immediately. Valves and tank openings must be secured and, if practicable, hoses disconnected and manifold valves blanked off.


  4. Terminal and port authorities should be notified immediately of the situation, and shore assistance should be summoned promptly


  5. Ship’s staff to commence fighting the fire using normal drilled procedures.


  6. Start water spray pump.


  7. Engine Room Party to supply services in the normal manner. (Fire Pump would already be running and Fire Main pressurised.).


  8. Main engines should be brought back into a state of readiness as soon as possible.


  9. Liaise with Terminal and follow Terminal procedures for quick contact of outside assistance, including local Fire Brigade.


  10. Master and Fire Control Leaders to liaise closely with local Fire Brigade and/or Terminal Emergency Fire Fighting Parties. Ships Plans in Fire Wallet to be consulted and any special features of cargo, bunkers, ship design and any special circumstances affecting the safety of the ship, its stability or the conduct of the fire fighting operations, should be brought to their attention He should bring to the notice of the shore fire officer


  11. Master/Terminal to request tugs to attend and stand-by.


  12. Should a fire on deck result from a bunker overflow, burst bunker hose or leaking bunker pipeline, the supply of fuel must be shut off immediately.


  13. Foam dispensers should then be used to the best advantage to extinguish and prevent spread of the fire, together with portable foam extinguishers. Additionally water spray or mist should be used to assist in extinguishing the fire and in shielding fire-fighters using portable foam appliances.


Procedures in the event of fire on shore while in port

  1. Sound the ship’s fire alarm, and muster at Fire Stations in the normal manner. Check for missing persons. Gangway watch keeper to bring to his muster point the Visitors Record Book, to verify the list of shore personnel on board and this will be checked against the shore personnel mustering on board. The tally board will be checked to verify if missing crewmembers are ashore.


  2. Shipboard action will depend on the location of the shore fire and it’s proximity to the ship.


  3. In the event of fire occurring on shore or on board another ship nearby, stop all cargo/ballast/bunkering operations immediately. Valves and tank openings must be secured and, if deemed necessary, the chiksans and hoses should be disconnected and manifold valves blanked off. Care should be taken to ensure that no leakages of cargo or bunkers is released which could carry down to the fire area and exacerbate the situation. Whenever possible, lines should be cleared.


  4. Main engines should be brought back into a state of readiness as soon as possible.


  5. The emergency towing-off wires that are required to be rigged on arrival alongside should in any case be adjusted so as to be instantly available for taking the ship off the berth.


  6. All personnel must go to fire stations and all fire equipment must be placed in a state of readiness with fire hoses connected, etc. A close watch should be kept for falling embers on the ship, or burning oil on the water which may prove a hazard to the ship.





  7. Directions concerning the movement of the ship will normally be issued by the harbour master. All deck officers must familiarise themselves with the procedures of the individual ports, so that in the event of a fire, the Port Authorities and fire services are not hindered by the actions of ships and personnel not involved in the fire fighting operation.




Below is more guideline on Fire hazards, sources of ignition and necessary precautions

Fire fighting procedure for solid, liquid or electrical fire on board Gas Carrier

Fire hazards and precautions - Atmosphere Control For Gas Carrier

Fire hazards and precautions - Sources of Ignition in Liquefied Gas Carrier

Matters that require attention to onboard work

Fire hazards and precautions against statistic electricity in liquefied gas carrier





Related Information:

  1. Guideline to tackle fire on board LNG ship


  2. Fire fighting plan for liquefied gas carrier


  3. Various fire extinguishing agents for LPG carriers


  4. Liquefied gas carrier -applicable regulations


  5. Vapour Characteristics of liquefied gases


  6. Low temperature effects of Liquefied gases


  7. Reactivity of liquefied gas cargo and safety guideline


Liquefied gases - Health hazards

How LNG is transported ? Is it safe ?

Liquefied gases - How to remove all cargo liquid from tanks

Cargo Information - physical and chemical properties necessary for the safe containment of the cargo

Liquefied gas carrier -monitoring cargo pressure

Liquefied gases - Health hazards

Liquefied gas cargo reactivity

Liquefied gas cargo corrosion

Liquefied gas cargo vapour characteristics

Liquefied gas cargo - low temperature effects

Liquefied gas carrier -monitoring cargo pressure






External links :

  1. International maritime organization








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