TAI 200
Introduction to LPG Marine Cargo Operations
COURSE SCHEDULE
| Code | Date | Location | price (€)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAI 200 | 12–16 January 2026 | Online | 3300 |
| TAI 200 | 9–13 March 2026 | Oslo | 4400 |
* Prices are subject to VAT and local terms. Ph.D. students, groups (≥ 3 persons) and early bird registrants (8 weeks in advance) are entitled to a DISCOUNT!
COURSE OVERVIEW
This is a 5-day course designed to provide participants with a complete understanding of LPG cargo operations and re-liquefaction, progressing logically from cargo properties and regulations through equipment operation, re-liquefaction systems, and the complete cargo cycle.
Day one – LPG Cargo Properties, Hazards, and Regulations cover the range of LPG cargoes and their properties, hazards of handling LPG (flammability, toxicity, asphyxiation, cryogenic burns, overpressure, reactivity, polymerization), design for safety, sources of ignition, and a workshop on hazard identification (HAZID).
Day two – Physics, Chemistry, and Re-liquefaction Principles addresses the physics and chemistry of LPG (phase behavior, Mollier diagram, vapor pressure, boiling point, density, calorific value), inert gas generators, nitrogen generators, behavior of gases (ideal gas law, boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion – BLEVE), re-liquefaction principles, and cargo conditioning.
Day three – LPG Carrier Types and Cargo Handling Equipment covers types of LPG carriers (fully pressurized, semi-pressurized, fully refrigerated, very large gas carriers – VLGCs), IMO ship types, IGC Code damage assumptions, tank types (pressure tanks, spherical tanks, membrane tanks, bi-lobe tanks), cargo pumps (deep well pumps, submersible pumps, centrifugal pumps), compressors (reciprocating, screw, centrifugal), heat exchangers, level measurement, pressure and temperature monitoring, and emergency shutdown systems (ESDS).
Day four – The Cargo Operational Cycle covers confined space entry (gas freeing, ventilation, atmosphere testing), gas detection instrumentation (fixed and portable, including use and calibration), cargo operational cycle for LPG tankers (dry dock to dry dock), preparation for first cargo after dry dock (inerting, gassing up, cooling down), purpose of DPV (depressurizing, pressurizing, venting), loading cargo, loaded voyage management, discharge cargo, and preparation for dry dock.
Day five – Re-liquefaction Systems, Grade Changes, and Fire-Fighting concentrates on re-liquefaction systems (direct compression single-stage and two-stage, cascade refrigeration, indirect cooling, comparison of systems, troubleshooting common problems and their solutions), change of grade procedures (butane to propane and vice-versa, precautions and compatibility, flushing and purging requirements), personnel protection (PPE, SCBA, emergency escape sets, BA refreshers, and practical drills on safe handling and emergency escape set donning), fire-fighting systems for LPG fires (dry chemical powder systems, water spray systems, monitors, fixed and portable extinguishers, fire-fighting tactics including cooling and control of BLEVE risk, emergency response to cargo release), and course review and close.
COURSE OUTLINE
5 days
Day 1: LPG Cargo Properties, Hazards, and Regulations
o Types of LPG Cargoes (propane, butane, propylene, butadiene, VCM, ammonia, ethylene)
o Properties of LPG Cargoes
• Vapor pressure, boiling point, density, calorific value, flammability limits)
o Hazards of Handling LPG
• flammability, toxicity, asphyxiation, cryogenic burns, overpressure, reactivity, polymerization, BLEVE)
o Sources of Ignition (electrical, static, mechanical, hot work)
o Regulatory Framework (IGC Code, SOLAS, STCW, MARPOL)
o Design for Safety (IMO ship types, damage assumptions, tank types)
o Workshop – Hazard Identification (HAZID) for LPG Cargo Operations
Day 2: Physics, Chemistry, and Re-liquefaction Principles
o LPG Physics and Chemistry
o Ideal Gas Law & Phase Behaviour
• Mollier Diagram and Its Application
o Inert Gas Generators (IGG) – principles and operation
o Nitrogen Generators – membrane and PSA
o Re-liquefaction Principles (direct compression, cascade, indirect)
o Case Study: Cargo Conditioning, principles and practice
Day 3: LPG Carrier Types and Cargo Handling Equipment
o Types of LPG Carriers (fully pressurized, semi-pressurized, fully refrigerated, VLGCs)
o IMO Ship Types (Type 1G, 2G, 3G) and IGC Code Damage Assumptions
o Tank Types (pressure tanks, spherical tanks, membrane tanks, bi-lobe tanks)
o Cargo Pumps (deepwell pumps, submersible pumps, centrifugal pumps)
o Level Measurement Systems (radar, servo, capacitance) & Emergency Shutdown Systems (ESDS) – principles and testing
o Workshop – Cargo System Walkthrough Using P&IDs
Day 4: The Cargo Operational Cycle
o Confined Space Entry (gas freeing, ventilation, atmosphere testing, permit-to-work)
o Gas Detection Instrumentation (fixed systems, portable detectors, including use and calibration)
o Cargo Operational Cycle for LPG Tankers (dry dock to dry dock)
• Preparation for First Cargo after Dry Dock (inerting, gassing up, cooling down)
• Purpose of DPV (depressurising, pressurising, venting)
• Loading Cargo – planning and execution
• Loaded Voyage – monitoring and management
• Discharge Cargo – planning and execution
• Prepare for Dry Dock – tank cleaning, gas freeing
o Case Study – Complete Cargo Cycle Simulation
Day 5: Re-liquefaction Systems, Grade Changes, and Firefighting
o What is integrity anyway?
o Corrosion hazards and corrosion risk assessment
o The RoadMap to Corrosion Integrity Management - corrosion as a threat to Asset Integrity - the importance of maintaining asset integrity for oil and gas assets – risk-based inspections
o Integration of Corrosion and Safety Management – key elements – policies, organisation, roles and responsibilities, planning, performance measurements, audit review, corrosion management information flows
o Health and Safety Management – key elements
o Providing integrity management solutions – controlling and managing the risk of corrosion threats and failure
o Criticality analyses/ FMECA
o Interactive Discussions
INSTRUCTOR
FAQ
DESIGNED FOR
o Deck and engineer officers serving on LPG carriers
o Fleet superintendents, technical managers, and newbuilding project managers
o Terminal operators and shore-based cargo planners
o Marine assurance and HSE professionals
o Commercial and chartering staff
Some prior exposure to gas carrier operations or marine transportation is ideal but not required. The course builds from basic principles while providing practical tools for experienced participants
COURSE LEVEL
Intermediate Level
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
o Understand LPG cargo properties and hazards
o Identify the range of LPG cargoes (propane, butane, propylene, butadiene, VCM, ammonia, ethylene), interpret their physical and chemical properties, recognize hazards (flammability, toxicity, asphyxiation, cryogenic burns, overpressure), and apply safety measures
o Apply regulatory framework and design for safety
o Understand the IGC Code, SOLAS, STCW requirements, IMO ship types
o Operate cargo handling equipment – Understand cargo pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, vapor return systems, level measurement systems (radar, servo, capacitance), pressure and temperature monitoring, and emergency shutdown systems (ESDS).
o Understand the principles of re-liquefaction (direct compression, cascade refrigeration, indirect cooling), operate single-stage and two-stage compression systems, troubleshoot common problems, and optimize system performance for different cargoes.
o Study the complete cargo operational cycle – Prepare for first cargo after dry dock (inerting, gassing up, cooling down), load cargo, manage the loaded voyage, discharge cargo, prepare for dry dock, and handle grade changes (e.g., butane to propane).
o Implement safe working practices and emergency response – Conduct dangerous space entry, use gas detection instrumentation (fixed and portable), apply permit-to-work systems, manage personnel protection (PPE, SCBA, emergency escape sets), and understand responses to LPG fires and cargo releases.
REGISTER
Registration is now OPEN!
* Prices are subject to VAT and local terms. Ph.D. students, groups (≥ 3 persons) and early bird registrants (8 weeks in advance) are entitled to a DISCOUNT!
For more details and registration please send email to: register@petro-teach.com
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