ISO 20519-2021 PDF

Full title and description

Ships and marine technology — Specification for bunkering of liquefied natural gas fuelled vessels. This International Standard specifies requirements for LNG bunkering transfer systems and associated equipment, operational procedures, documentation and training where these are not covered by the IGC/IGF framework.

Abstract

This standard sets out technical and operational requirements for the safe transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel to vessels. It covers hardware (liquid and vapour transfer systems), operational procedures, the LNG bunker delivery note, personnel training and facility requirements to align with applicable ISO and local codes. It applies to vessels in international and domestic service regardless of size.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: December 3, 2021
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 47.020.99 (Ships and marine technology)
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2021)
• Number of pages: 36

Technical committee: ISO/TC 8/SC 25. Status and bibliographic details as published by ISO.

Scope

ISO 20519:2021 applies to LNG bunkering transfer systems and equipment when bunkering LNG-fuelled vessels in situations not covered by the IGC/IGF Code. The standard addresses: design and installation of liquid and vapour transfer systems (hoses, transfer arms, couplings, insulation flanges, emergency release systems), approved operational and communication procedures for bunkering, requirements for an LNG bunker delivery note, training and qualification of personnel, and requirements for LNG bunkering facilities to meet applicable ISO standards and local regulatory codes. It is intended for use with vessels of any size, in domestic or international trade.

Key topics and requirements

• Design and installation requirements for liquid and vapour transfer systems (hoses, arms, fixed piping) and associated fittings and flanges.
• Specification of emergency release systems (ERC/ERS), quick-connect/disconnect couplings and insulation flange requirements.
• Requirements for safe operational procedures: mooring, communications, control of exclusion/safety zones, monitoring and acceptable transfer parameters.
• Documentation: LNG bunker delivery note format/requirements, checklists, records and maintenance manuals.
• Training and competency criteria for personnel involved in bunkering operations and required drills/exercises.
• Requirements for LNG bunkering facilities to comply with applicable ISO standards and local/national regulations and to coordinate with flag/port/state authorities.
• Alignment and interface considerations with the IGC/IGF Code and other relevant maritime safety rules.

Typical use and users

Used by shipowners and operators of LNG‑fuelled vessels, LNG bunkering providers and suppliers, port and terminal operators, naval architects and system designers, equipment manufacturers (hoses, couplings, transfer arms), classification societies, flag and port state authorities, and training organizations responsible for bunkering operations and safety management.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced alongside ISO 20519 include industry and ISO documents covering dry‑connect/disconnect couplings and flowmetering, design and testing of LNG marine transfer arms, plus IMO codes such as the IGF and IGC Codes. Regional adoptions (for example EN ISO 20519:2022) and standards like ISO 21593, ISO 16904 and related measurement/hosing standards are relevant for interoperable equipment and procedures.

Keywords

LNG bunkering, bunkering transfer system, liquefied natural gas, LNG bunker delivery note, emergency release coupling, vapour return, transfer arm, quick‑connect/disconnect, bunkering procedures, training, ship/shore interface.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 20519:2021 is an International Standard that specifies requirements for the safe bunkering (transfer) of liquefied natural gas as fuel to vessels, covering equipment, procedures, documentation and training.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers hardware (liquid and vapour transfer systems and fittings), operational procedures (mooring, communications, exclusion zones), the LNG bunker delivery note, training and facility requirements where the IGC/IGF framework does not apply.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Shipowners/operators of LNG‑fuelled vessels, LNG suppliers and bunkering service providers, ports and terminals, equipment manufacturers, designers, classification societies, and regulators use this standard to ensure safe, interoperable bunkering operations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 20519:2021 (Edition 2) was published on December 3, 2021 and replaces the earlier 2017 edition; the 2017 edition was withdrawn when the 2021 edition was published.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of ship/marine technology standards (ICS 47.020.99) and is used in conjunction with other ISO and IMO documents addressing LNG transfer equipment, measurement and safety (for example ISO standards on transfer arms and couplings and the IMO IGF/IGC Codes).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: LNG bunkering, transfer systems, emergency release system, bunker delivery note, vapour return, quick‑connect/disconnect, bunkering procedures, training, ship/shore interface.