Cavotec’s EX-certified MoorMaster automated mooring units have supported the first ever transfer of LNG from a ship to a floating LNG platform. MoorMaster is a vacuum-based automated mooring technology that eliminates the need for conventional mooring lines. Remote-controlled vacuum pads recessed in, or mounted on the quayside or pontoons, moor and release vessels within 30 seconds.
Gas Natural Fenosa and Connect LNG successfully conducted a commercial LNG delivery with a Universal Transfer System in Norway on October 7. The system was fitted with two MoorMaster units – the first EX- and DNV GL-certified automated mooring systems ever built. The system is also the first non-military ship-to-ship automated mooring application and the first ATEX-certified automated mooring application anywhere in the world.
The MoorMaster system offers the option of providing an automated emergency release system and paves the way for safe and rapid mooring for LNG and LPG tankers during the transfer of fluids to onshore storage terminals without the need for vessel modifications, says Cargotec.
While MoorMaster has been in use at a variety of bulk and container handling, Ro-Ro and lock applications around the world for many years, this is its first application in the oil and gas sector.
