Marine Loading Arm (MLA)

Marine Loading Arm is an articulated pipe system for then transfers of liquids or
gases. This may maneuvered manually or hydraulically. A marine loading arm
comprises several components namely:
base riser
Inboard arm
Outboard arm

The articulation is assured by swivel arrangements. These arrangements (or styles)

allow for complete movement in all planes.

MLA Design Model

1. Fully Balance Marine Arm (FBMA)

FBMA is the simplest type fully balance loading arm having main counter weight
and sub counter weight. Both Manual and Hydraulic powered operation are
available and Manual type can be operated with very less workers. As the
construction is very simple, maintenance and overhaul are also very easy. Tanker
Size: 100 to 5,000 DWT (deadweight tonnage).
2. Rotary Counterweighted Marine Arm (RCMA) / Double Counterweighted
Marine Arm DCMA
RCMA and DCMA mainly used for loading/unloading with middle to large tankers.
Both RCMA and DCMA fully balanced in all position but RCMA have rotatable counter
weight can get balance of both outboard and inboard arm and it affect to reduce the
weight. Tanker Size: 3,000 to 500,000 DWT

MLA Design Material Selection

Material of construction for MLA is much dependent on the fluid service and process
parameters. The example as follow:

Overall safety of MLA operations

1. Emergency Release System (ERS)

ERS disconnect loading arms from the tanker immediately during loading of
product in the event of emergency, such as fire disaster, and strong current that
causes sudden movement of tanker away from berthing line. ERS unit is placed at
outer end of loading arm (style 80 swivel joint). Components in ERS include:

ERS Valve - In the event of emergency, two valves will be closed

simultaneously without spillage of product inside the loading arm and tanker
pipe before disconnection. Valves type ball valve or butterfly valve.

Emergency Release Coupler - Located between two valves. Disconnect the

loading arm from the tanker instantly after valve closed.

Hydraulic/Electric control system - Control emergency valve and

emergency coupler. Interlock system to provide full protection against
accidental operation and technical malfunctions. Furthermore, the system
employs evacuation of loading arm after disconnected from the tanker
automatically.

2. Quick Connect/Disconnect Coupler (QCDC)

QCDC provide easy positioning and quick connection to ship's manifold by hydraulic
power (manual also available). Features include:

Safety - Connection will be done by remote control, minimize risk for injuring
at the connection flange even under swelling condition and the operator can
stay away from the hazardous cargo such as cryogenic liquid or high
temperature liquid.

Manpower and Time Saving - compare to ordinary bolting flange

connection. For cryogenic service, QCDC can break away even under built up
ice condition after loading operation. Using remote control (radio or wired),
connection operation can be done by single operator. The flanging guide
system eases the alignment.

Reliable Seal - The clamp will grasp and evenly tighten the manifold flange
that will ensure reliable seal.

3. Position Monitoring System (PMS)

PMS provides realtime information of the position of loading arms during loading
operation. Angle sensors attached on the Loading arm can detect the position of the
top loading arm, position of tanker, its drifting speed, and allowable moving range
of loading arms.

MLA Emergency Shutdown (ESD) protection

The shutdown of the loading arms occurs when one or more of the following events
take place:
1. Manual activation from the Panel in the Loading Dock control room, or DCS in
the main control room in case of product leakage or fire.
2. Automatic activation due to loading arm over-travel (due to ship movement).
For a proper ESD system activation, the following actions will be initiated:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

ERS/PERC valves close in 5 seconds.

Loading arm transfer valves close in 20 seconds.
Main transfer valves near the dock entrance close in 30 seconds.
Pump transfer valves at the LNG storage tanks close in 30 seconds.
Vent valves on each loading arms open in 5 seconds.
Loading pumps trip.

Improve the reliability of the existing surge protection system, pressure switches
installed on the loading line, which function to trip the loading pumps and open the
vent valves at specified set pressure when the main surge protection fails.

Maintenance Interval of Loading Arm

Components
Recommended maintenance intervals for MLA components are as follows. However, it
depends on condition of use such as operation frequency or site condition.

Reference sources:

1. OEM specification

2. Nasrul Syahruddin, LNG Loading Lines Surge Analysis for ESD System Application,
2010.