Overview
EN ISO 16904:2016 (ISO 16904:2016) specifies minimum design, inspection and testing requirements for LNG marine transfer arms used at conventional onshore LNG terminals handling LNG carriers in international trade. Endorsed by CEN as EN ISO 16904:2016, the standard focuses on safe ship‑to‑shore LNG transfer and can also provide guidance for coastal or offshore operations. It is supplementary to national rules and to ISO 28460, and does not have to be applied to existing facilities. Note: the standard covers requirements for power/control systems but does not attempt to fully define fabrication details of all standard parts and fittings.
Key Topics
- Design basis and configuration
- Determination of arm length, configuration, balancing, clearances and dimensional requirements.
- Mechanical components
- Requirements for swivel joints, bearings (structural and sealing), pipework, flanges, gaskets and welding.
- Accessories and fittings
- Guidance on supports (jacks), nitrogen lines, vapour recovery, liquid nitrogen, stowage locks, ladders/platforms and thermal insulation.
- Materials and protection
- Material selection, corrosion protection and embrittlement protection appropriate for cryogenic LNG service.
- Safety systems
- Two‑stage alarm and shutdown systems, monitoring and alarm envelopes, arm positioning monitoring (CPMS), pressure/hydraulic level alarms.
- Emergency systems
- Design and safety devices for Emergency Release Systems (ERS) and Quick Closing Device/Control (QCDC) interfaces with ships; flange cover considerations.
- Control and utilities
- Hydraulic and electrical control systems, power‑supply failure considerations, bonding and stray current protection.
- Inspection, testing and maintenance
- Minimum inspection and testing procedures to verify safe operation and maintenance recommendations.
Applications
- Design and procurement of LNG marine transfer arms for new onshore terminals.
- Engineering specifications for manufacturers and fabricators of transfer arms and swivel joints.
- Operation and safety procedures at LNG terminals (commissioning tests, periodic inspections).
- Risk assessment and integration with terminal emergency shutdown and vapour recovery systems.
- Useful guidance for adapting onshore practices to coastal or offshore ship‑to‑shore transfer scenarios.
Who should use this standard
- Terminal designers and marine cryogenic engineers
- Equipment manufacturers and fabricators of transfer arms and swivel joints
- Port authorities, terminal operators and LNG carrier operators
- Safety managers, inspectors and certification bodies
- Regulators and project procurement teams specifying ship‑to‑shore transfer equipment
Related standards
- ISO 28460 (requirements additional to ISO 16904)
- EN 1474‑1:2008 (superseded by EN ISO 16904:2016)
- National/local regulations for marine terminal safety and environmental compliance
Keywords: ISO 16904:2016, EN ISO 16904, LNG marine transfer arms, LNG transfer, ship‑to‑shore, ERS, QCDC, swivel joints, terminal design, LNG safety.