Bureau Veritas Awards AiP to Kairong and MannTek's Ship-to-Ship LNG Bunkering Crane Master System

At Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to Ningbo Kairong New Energy (Kairong) and Sweden-based MannTek for their jointly developed Ship-to-Ship LNG Bunkering Crane Master system, recognizing an innovative solution designed to support safe and efficient LNG bunkering operations.

Earlier the same day, Kairong and MannTek signed a Joint Development Cooperation Agreement and unveiled the latest Crane Master system. Designed specifically for ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operations, the Crane Master is a multifunctional integrated bunkering and hoisting system that combines crane handling capabilities with LNG transfer functions in a single solution.

The design aims to address operational challenges associated with LNG bunkering in busy port environments by integrating bunkering and lifting operations while maintaining high standards of safety and operational efficiency.

As part of the approval process, BV conducted a review of the design in accordance with applicable classification requirements. The assessment focused on key aspects including LNG bunkering system safety principles, low temperature leakage protection, emergency shutdown and release arrangements, and spare-parts hoisting operations. The AiP confirms that the concept complies in principle with the relevant classification requirements and provides a foundation for further development and implementation.

The certification highlights the growing importance of safe and reliable LNG bunkering infrastructure as the maritime industry advances its decarbonization journey. As LNG continues to play an important role as a transitional marine fuel, innovative bunkering solutions can help support the expansion of LNG fuel supply networks and the wider adoption of alternative fuels across the shipping industry.