Description: Inspections and vetting carried out by charterers, buyers, terminal operators and sellers has been an integral part of ship operations in both oil tankers and LPG carrier operations for more than 25 years and has improved the operating standards. As LNG ships have tended to operate under long-term contractual arrangements they have not been exposed to vetting.
Recent changes in trading patterns have resulted in short-term freight contracts, involving vessels trading to new ports. As a result charterers, buyers, terminal operators and sellers must be sure that the condition, operation and ownership of the vessels are of an acceptable standard, by applying ship inspection and vetting systems to LNG shipping.
This publication draws on information learned from the oil industry and passes it on to all concerned parties involved in vetting LNG ships. It also contains information about the practices of some individual companies and these examples are purely for guidance only.