Safe custody transfer (un)loading of LNG ships
3 ways how KROHNE supports safe custody transfer (un)loading of LNG ships:
Enhanced compliance and instrument validation
Cost-effective and high-performance monitoring
Instant quality certification and billing
In the global LNG trade, ensuring the accuracy and safety of custody transfer operations for LNG (un)loading is critical for both regulatory compliance and commercial integrity. At each LNG port, operators must confirm the volume and quality of gas transferred, while documenting these transactions to meet Gas Sales Purchase Agreements (GSPA) and international standards. KROHNE’s LNG-Quality Release System (L-QRS) is a state-of-the-art software solution designed to streamline and enhance these processes, providing instant availability of quality certificates and bills of lading without the delays associated with manual quality testing. L-QRS automates data acquisition, certification, and compliance, setting a new standard for efficiency in LNG ship loading and unloading.
How does KROHNE’s L-QRS system help?
Enhanced compliance and instrument validation
Fully certified by NMi and compliant with industry standards (ISO 8943, GPA 2172, ASTM 4784), L-QRS ensures LNG custody transfer measurements meet strict regulatory requirements. Its built-in validation capabilities perform continuous instrument checks, employing statistical process control (SPC) to monitor performance and guarantee compliance with GSPA. With fully traceable data management, L-QRS enables operators to confidently verify each transfer’s accuracy.
Cost-effective and high-performance monitoring
By integrating advanced control charting and predictive maintenance features, the L-QRS reduces LNG terminal maintenance costs by over 25%, thanks to its powerful CalSys® functionality. This system monitors all quality measurement instruments and automatically flags issues, reducing downtime and maintaining consistent performance. With the high availability of critical analysers, operators benefit from a streamlined process and lower operational costs.
Instant quality certification and billing
L-QRS automates the quality certification and billing process, using real-time measurements to generate the certificate of quality and bill of lading immediately upon loading or unloading. This feature prevents costly retrospective corrections by delivering precise documentation the moment a batch is completed, eliminating delays caused by sample handling and offline laboratory testing.
Contribution to Sustainability
Reduced resource use : Eliminates the need for physical samples and offline lab testing, minimising waste and resource consumption.
Energy efficiency : Optimises gas flow and reduces boil-off gas losses, decreasing overall energy usage.
Lower maintenance impact : Predictive maintenance reduces the frequency of repairs, extending the equipment lifespan and reducing the environmental impact of maintenance.
Further Benefits
Secure and automated data processing : Fully automated workflows eliminate human errors and ensure secure, traceable reporting.
Seamless integration : Integrates with distributed control systems (DCS), plant management systems, and other digital infrastructure.
Flexible configuration : Customisable to new or existing LNG terminals, adaptable to different loading and storage capacities.
KROHNE’s L-QRS software redefines LNG loading and unloading by offering an efficient, compliant, and cost-saving solution for custody transfer operations. With real-time quality certification, advanced compliance, and predictive maintenance capabilities, L-QRS helps operators achieve secure and sustainable LNG management while optimising overall process performance. As a trusted partner in the LNG industry, KROHNE is committed to delivering solutions that enhance operational integrity and support sustainable energy practices.