API has published a new edition for the measurement of LNG shipments aboard marine gas carriers, Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS) Chapter 17.10.1/ISO 10976:2015, which includes updated requirements to enhance the reliability, accuracy and accountability of global LNG shipments.

The newly revised 2nd edition of MPMS Chapter 17.10.1/ISO 10976:2015, Measurement of Cargoes on Board Marine Gas Carriers, Part 1, details the required steps needed to properly measure and account for quantities of cargoes onboard LNG carriers. These procedures are especially important as shipboard measurements of LNG are often used as the basis for calculating the amount of energy transferred.

MPMS Chapter 17.10.1 provides operators with the most current and accurate methods for measuring LNG for custody transfer and trading purposes, including:

  • Measuring LNG volumes on board vessels;
  • Calculating amount of energy transferred;
  • Reporting of the LNG values to the customer; and
  • Documenting quantities of LNG on board and energy transferred.

Previously, API had published API MPMS Chapter 8.6/ISO 8943, Refrigerated Light Hydrocarbon Fluids – Sampling of Liquified Natural Gas – Continuous and Intermittent Methods, which specifies the most current methods for sampling of LNG. MPMS Chapter 17.10.1 was updated to include MPMS Chapter 8.6 as a reference, in addition to other up-to-date and commonly used marine safety documents.

Accuracy of LNG measurement has become a top priority for gas carriers and LNG facility operators, as they strive to meet the world’s growing demand for clean-burning natural gas. The newly updated standard will ensure that transferred LNG cargoes have been accurately measured and quantified at all stages of the process, before and after the customer takes custody.

Additionally, the standard meets the industry’s goals of providing safe and environmentally sustainable fuels to the world. LNG and natural gas will play an essential role in the transition to less carbon-intensive fuel sources while still meeting growing energy demand, especially in developing countries. Underscoring this fact, MPMS Chapter 17.10.1 can be used to meet United Nation Sustainability Development Goals (U.N. SDGs) for affordable clean energy, economic growth and sustainable infrastructure.

MPMS Chapter 17.10.1 represents the industry’s continued commitment to enhance the global trade of clean LNG fuels to drive sustainability and environmental progress through the standardization of measurement requirements.

For more information on MPMS Chapter 17.10.1, please visit the API website.