ISLAMABAD: Days before scheduled import, the Qatari supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) has raised alarms about operational constraints at Port Qasim and expressed its inability to deliver full shipload of the commodity.

Top government officials told Dawn that Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has taken up the issue with the federal government while the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has also informed that additional dredging to facilitate LNG ship, known as Q-Flex, was responsibility of the terminal operator as per request for proposal (RFP).

This would mean that the shipment would not be able to deliver about 3 billion cubic feet of gas (BCF) to Pakistan at Engro Terminal, Port Qasim. A senior PSO official confirmed that Qatargas Operating Company, the LNG supplier, has pointed out that based on survey reports of Jan 15, “the outer and inner navigation channels did not meet the minimum requirement of 13 metres draught below the datum line for Q-Flex LNG carrier”.

He said the LNG supplier had also reported that draught at the berthing basin of Engro Terminal also did not meet required draught of 14 metres. It said that even a partially loaded Q-Flex cannot enter navigation channel unless additional dredging was carried out, which was difficult to finish in 10 to 15 days.

Qatargas has now required a fresh survey after dredging certifying that minimum requirements were met. The PQA has explained to the government and tender conditions required the successful bidder to ensure that Q-Flex LNG carriers are able to navigate and dock.

In a letter to PSO, Qatargas has also reminded that it had pointed out these shortfalls to Pakistani authorities and terminal operators at a meeting on March 9. It said a series of steps were required to be completed by PQA “as soon as possible in order for the terminal to be accessible”.

Qatargas also now wanted the Pakistan authorities to provide supporting assurance “to prove the outer and inner channel depths meet the guaranteed 13m below the chart datum, and the EETL berthing basin-I guaranteed 14m. The bathymetric charts of January 2015 show depths lower than 13m below the chart datum which clearly indicates the need for additional dredging to meet the minimum guaranteed depths”.

It demanded an updated and an authorised bathymetry survey data copy of the full approach channel (outer and inner) in support of the channel’s guaranteed depths. The Qatari firm said the PQA also needed “to undertake surveys every year in January and subsequently in September (at the end of siltation period) in order to assure/confirm that guaranteed depths are maintained and are available throughout the year”.

Most importantly, an effective maintenance dredging scheme should be implemented to resolve the manoeuvring constraints at the bend of Ahsan channel. Such a programme may also include plans to straighten the channel in the near future.

The letter said that although the existing channel can possibly accommodate partial Q-Flex’s as an initial starting point, it would be important to increase the channel guaranteed depths to accommodate fully laden Q-Flex vessel’s in due course and in support of the country’s expected LNG demand in the future.

It said the PQA should ensure that local hydrographic department timely issued nautical charts and corresponding notices reflecting the actual status and supporting any changes to sections of the approach channel. The information should be appropriately and timely relayed to the relevant hydrographic departments for addressing corrections or for publishing new editions of the relevant expected that charts. In the absence of a BA chart it is expected that a fully reliable local chart (endorsed by hydrographic department) is available to the calling Qatar gas vessels.

For the future, Qatargas strongly advised that within 3-4 months of the terminal start-up, the existing arrangements that are available with PQA are upgraded or new units are procured to meet the requirement of monitoring transverse approach speed and safely controlling the landing of vessel on the fenders, at the advice of the pilot to ensure that safe and a reliable berthing operation is carried out at all times.

A finalised and authenticated copy of the port manual is to be issued at least 10 days before the first scheduled loading of the LNGC incorporating the relevant recommendations from the SiPort21 simulations assessment of Feb 20, 2015 and any applicable actions from the project ‘Action Register’ should be incorporated.

Some other recommendations included inclusion of daylight restriction for channel transit, regulated traffic control during LNGC transit, established weather criteria and implementation of escort tug philosophy.

The Port Qasim Authority has also been asked to ensure and confirm that the DGPS (differential global positioning system) stations are fully functional and services are available for use for the visiting vessels. It should also ensure adequate Standby tugs at all times whilst the two LNG vessels are coupled at the terminal and the PQA has been asked to ensure pilot familiarisation with Q-Flex’s at the earliest.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play