TOTE awards GTT LNG bunker barge training contract

LNG bunker barge is currently under construction by Conrad Industries

MAY 3, 2016 — TOTE has awarded GTT North America and GTT Training a contract to develop and implement a tug and barge crew training program for the 2,200 cu.m LNG bunker barge currently under construction at Conrad Industries, Orange, TX (see earlier story).

The training program will ultimately be subject to U.S. Coast Guard approval. At present, there are no LNG-specific competency and training standards for LNG barges that can serve as the basis to establish crew credentials and qualifications by the flag authorities. GTT North America will collaborate with its sister company, U.K.-based GTT Training and with STAR Center, an internationally recognized and USCG accredited LNG training center located near Miami, FL, and TOTE to fully develop the training program and obtain the necessary USCG approval.

“We are excited to partner with GTT and other stakeholders in developing a training program that sets the standard for safety when working with LNG,” said Peter Keller, Executive Vice President of TOTE.

“We are proud and honored by this agreement with TOTE, ” said Philippe Berterottière, Chief Executive Officer of GTT. “It demonstrates GTT group’s capability to provide TOTE a wide range of services, beyond the containment system technology, to assure their personnel are certified and competent to safely conduct all operations related to the LNG bunker barge.” declared