2003-2004

News Release

REF NO.: 289

SUBJECT: The Centre for Marine Compressed Natural Gas (CMCNG) hosts first International Standards Forum

DATE: June 22, 2004

Experts from around the world will gather at Memorial University of Newfoundland from June 22-24 for the first ever forum to address the emerging industry of marine transport of compressed natural gas (CNG). It is attracting interest as an efficient and flexible way of delivering stranded gas via ocean transport. A good example application is the marine transportation of CNG from offshore Newfoundlandto New England, where pipelines or liquefied natural gas (LNG) pose major challenges.

Sponsored by the Centre for Marine Compressed Natural Gas (CMCNG) at MemorialUniversity, the primary objectives of the forum are to educate and promote understanding of the requirements for marine transport of CNG and to encourage open dialogue on standards and guidelines.

Jim Gaughan, world-renowned gas ship expert and Organizing Chair, stated "This forum will truly be the first international gathering of regulators and classification societies, such as the US Coast Guard, Transport Canada, DNV, Lloyds, BV, ABS and the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board, who are coming together to help set the regulatory foundation for this new industry."

There will also be a strong technical presence from industry organizations such as the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGGTO), which has issued many guidelines for all aspects of safety in LNG operations, as well as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), whose codes set the industry standard for pressure containment.

"Local industry, together with MemorialUniversity, is well positioned to become a world leader in the development of new technologies and expertise related to the transport of compressed natural gas," said Dr. Axel Meisen, president of MemorialUniversity. "Through forums like this and other activities, the Centre will play a central role in the creation of solutions that will benefit our province and other regions in the world, by improving the ability to access stranded natural gas."

Leading shipping companies, operators, CNG technology proponents and industry experts from Europe, Pacific Rimcountries and North Americaparticipating in this First International Marine CNG Standards Forum will discuss such topics as gas handling systems, hazards management, and terminal and offshore gas-port rules. The forum is supported by industry, the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Innovation Fund and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Centre for Marine Compressed Natural Gas

Industry, in partnership with Memorial University of Newfoundland, has led the way in creating the Centre for Marine Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the world's first research and development facility dedicated to the efficient, safe and competitive transportation, storage, handling and usage of compressed natural gas. The centre is a federally incorporated not-for-profit entity located on the campus of MemorialUniversityin St. Johns, Newfoundlandand Labrador. This world-class, open-access CNG centre is also establishing a large-scale, dynamic testing facility for research and development dedicated to marine transport of CNG.

Funding for the Centre has come from industry and government, including matching financial support provided by the Canadian government's Atlantic Innovation Fund. The Centre will engage industry and other research entities in conducting collaborative research and development programs to meet industry-wide needs and to provide contract research and development services to clients worldwide.

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