LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and qualified seafarer training ("IAMU LNG Initiative")

The first Common Theme of the Integrated Working Group is LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).

Having recognized this critical issue as early as late 2003, IAMU set LNG as the very first Common Theme of the Year for 2004 under the newly initiated Integrated Working Group activities.

IAMU LNG Initiative started in tripartite formation from the beginning, namely,

1. Industry (with SIGTTO-Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operator),
2. Administrations (U.S. Maritime Administration, UK Department for Transport), and
3. Academia (IAMU)

The first International Round Table focused on the human resource issue of LNG tankers was held in February 28th and March 1st, 2005 in Busan, Korea, together with the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO). The Second Round Table was held in May 2006 in Washington, DC keeping close communication with the U.S. Coast Guard and other international stakeholders. IAMU has been collaborating with IMO, the industry, and administrations to meet the challenges so that the world's LNG industry can maintain its prestigious safety record of LNG transport.

Main events in chronological order:

• (2004) April
  • Exploratory Meeting (called by U.S. Marad in San Francisco)
  • The 1st Tripartite Working Group meeting (London)
• (2005) February-March
  • The 1st IAMU LNG Round Table with SIGTTO (Busan)
• October
  • IMO/IAMU Joint Meeting (IMO at London)
• November
  • Secretary's article on U.S. Coast Guard Fall Proceedings which featured LNG [can skip to relevant information]
• (2006) January
  • * Mr. Mitropoulos, the Secretary-General of IMO stated that the two biggest challenges IMO is facing are "Security" and "shortage of LNG qualified seafarers", and in this context, he expressly mentioned IAMU in its proactive initiative in his Opening Address given at the 37th STW Sub-Committee meeting [can skip to relevant information]
• May
  • The 2nd IAMU LNG Round Table (Washington DC, USA)