Sigtto Confronts Challenges Faced by LNG Shipping Industry
A rapidly expanding LNG shipping sector has presented the Society of Gas Tanker & Terminal Operators (Sigtto) with new challenges, such as maintaining “the enviable safety and reliability record” of the LNG industry, says Mark Ross, current president of Sigtto and general manager of Chevron. “Due in part to unprecedented growth that the industry is experiencing, we have had the opportunity to welcome many new players to the LNG-shipping industry sector,” he said. Another critical issue is the shortage of adequately trained officers to operate LNG tankers, which Sigtto has addressed by establishing new standards that gauge crew competency. Ross acknowledges that the growing fleet of LNG tankers and the ongoing public debate regarding LNG terminal proposals have prompted security concerns about the LNG shipping industry, but says it “is still the safest shipping sector and it continues to have extremely high operating standards.” TradeWinds has the story. [Subscription required]