DRAFT INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SAFETY FOR SHIPS USING GASES

OR OTHER LOW-FLASHPOINT FUELS (IGF CODE)

(including round 1 summary)

INDEX

1 Preamble ................................................................................................................................. 8
PART A 9
2 GENERAL.................................................................................................................................... 9
[2.1 Application .............................................................................................................................. 9
2.2 Definitions .............................................................................................................................. 9
2.3 Alternative design ................................................................................................................ 14
2.4 Survey and certification ....................................................................................................... 14
3 GOAL AND FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................... 14
3.1 Goal ....................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Functional requirements ...................................................................................................... 15
4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................... 16
4.1 Goal ....................................................................................................................................... 16
4.2 Risk assessment .................................................................................................................... 16
4.3 Limitation of explosion consequences ................................................................................ 16
PART A-1 ........................................................................................................................................... 18
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPS USING NATURAL GAS AS FUEL ............................................. 18
5 SHIP DESIGN AND ARRANGEMENT ................................................................................................ 18
5.1 Goal ....................................................................................................................................... 18
5.2 Functional requirements ...................................................................................................... 18
5.3 General requirements .......................................................................................................... 18
5.4 Machinery space concepts ................................................................................................... 19
5.5 Requirements for gas safe machinery space ....................................................................... 20
5.6 Requirements for ESD-protected machinery spaces ........................................................... 20
5.7 Requirements for location and protection of fuel piping ................................................... 21
5.8 Requirements for machinery space design ......................................................................... 21
5.9 Requirements for bilge systems .......................................................................................... 21
5.10 Requirements for drip trays ................................................................................................. 22
5.11 Requirements for arrangement of entrances and other openings ..................................... 22
5.12 Requirements for air locks ................................................................................................... 22
6 FUEL CONTAINMENT SYSTEM ...................................................................................................... 23
page 2

6.1 Goal ....................................................................................................................................... 23
6.2 Functional requirements ...................................................................................................... 23
6.3 General requirements .......................................................................................................... 24
6.4 Liquefied gas fuel containment ............................................................................................ 25
6.4.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 25
6.4.2 Liquefied gas fuel containment safety principles ................................................................ 27
6.4.3 Secondary barriers in relation to tank types ......................................................................... 27
6.4.4 Design of secondary barriers ................................................................................................. 28
6.4.5 Partial secondary barriers ..................................................................................................... 29
6.4.6 Supporting arrangements ..................................................................................................... 29
6.4.7 Associated structure and equipment .................................................................................... 29
6.4.8 Thermal insulation ................................................................................................................. 29
6.4.9 Design Loads .......................................................................................................................... 30
6.4.9.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 30
6.4.9.2 Permanent loads ................................................................................................................... 30
6.4.9.3 Functional loads .................................................................................................................... 30
6.4.9.4 Environmental loads .............................................................................................................. 33
6.4.9.5 Accidental loads .................................................................................................................... 34
6.4.10 Structural Integrity ................................................................................................................ 34
6.4.10.1 General ........................................................................................................................ 34
6.4.11 Structural analysis ................................................................................................................. 35
6.4.12 Design conditions .................................................................................................................. 35
6.4.13 Materials and Construction ................................................................................................... 39
6.4.13.1 Materials ........................................................................................................................ 39
6.4.13.2 Materials of primary and secondary barriers ................................................................ 41
6.4.13.3 Thermal insulation and other materials used in liquefied gas fuel containment systems
42
6.4.14 Construction processes ......................................................................................................... 43
6.4.14.1 Weld joint design ........................................................................................................... 43
6.4.14.2 Design for gluing and other joining processes .............................................................. 43
6.4.15 Tank Types ............................................................................................................................. 43
6.4.15.1 Type A Independent Tanks ............................................................................................ 43
6.4.15.2 Type B Independent Tanks ............................................................................................ 44
6.4.15.3 Type C Independent Tanks ............................................................................................ 47
page 3

6.4.15.4 Membrane Tanks ........................................................................................................... 50
6.4.15.4.2 Design considerations ............................................................................................... 51
6.4.16 Limit state design for novel concepts ................................................................................... 53
6.5 [Non permanently fixed] [Portable] tanks [for liquefied gas fuel] ..................................... 53
6.6 Compressed gas containment system ................................................................................. 54
6.7 Pressure relief system .......................................................................................................... 55
6.7.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 55
6.7.2 Pressure relief systems for liquefied gas fuel tanks .............................................................. 55
6.7.3 Sizing of pressure relieving system ....................................................................................... 57
6.7.3.1 Sizing of pressure relief valves .............................................................................................. 57
6.7.3.3 Upstream pressure losses ..................................................................................................... 60
6.7.3.4 Downstream pressure losses ................................................................................................ 60
6.8 Filling limit for liquefied gas fuel tanks ................................................................................ 60
6.9 Maintaining fuel storage condition ...................................................................................... 61
6.9.1 Control of tank pressure and temperature:......................................................................... 61
6.9.2 Design of Systems ................................................................................................................. 61
6.9.3 Reliquefaction systems ......................................................................................................... 61
6.9.4 Thermal Oxidation Systems .................................................................................................. 62
6.9.5 Compatibility ......................................................................................................................... 62
6.9.6 Availability of Systems .......................................................................................................... 62
7 MATERIAL AND GENERAL PIPE DESIGN .......................................................................................... 64
7.1 Goal ....................................................................................................................................... 64
7.2 Functional requirements ...................................................................................................... 64
7.3 Requirements for general pipe design ................................................................................ 64
7.3.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 64
7.3.2 Wall thickness ....................................................................................................................... 65
7.3.3 Design condition ................................................................................................................... 66
7.3.4 Allowable stress ..................................................................................................................... 66
7.3.5 Flexibility of piping ............................................................................................................... 67
7.3.6 Piping fabrication and joining details .................................................................................. 67
7.4 Requirements for materials .................................................................................................. 68
7.4.1 Metallic materials .................................................................................................................. 68
8 BUNKERING .............................................................................................................................. 73
8.1 Goal ....................................................................................................................................... 73
page 4

8.2 Functional requirements ...................................................................................................... 73
8.3 Requirements for bunkering station ................................................................................... 73
8.3.1 General requirements ........................................................................................................... 73
8.3.2 Ships' fuel hoses .................................................................................................................... 74
8.4 Requirements for manifold .................................................................................................. 74
8.5 Requirements for bunkering system ................................................................................... 74
9 FUEL SUPPLY TO CONSUMERS ..................................................................................................... 75
9.1 Goal ....................................................................................................................................... 75
9.2 Functional requirements ...................................................................................................... 75
9.3 Redundancy of fuel supply ................................................................................................... 75
9.4 Safety functions of gas supply system ................................................................................. 76
9.5 Requirements for fuel distribution outside of machinery space ........................................ 80
9.6 Requirements for fuel supply to consumers in gas-safe machinery spaces ....................... 80
9.8 Requirements for the design of ventilated duct, outer pipe against inner pipe gas leakage
............................................................................................................................................... 81
9.9 Requirements for gas compressors and pumps .................................................................. 82
10 POWER GENERATION INCLUDING PROPULSION AND OTHER ENERGY CONVERTERS ............................... 83
10.1 Goal ....................................................................................................................................... 83
10.2 Functional requirements ...................................................................................................... 83
10.3 Requirements for internal combustion engines of Piston type .......................................... 83
10.3.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 83
10.3.2 Requirements for dual fuel engines ...................................................................................... 84
10.3.3 Requirements for gas-only engines...................................................................................... 84
10.3.4 Requirements for multi-fuel engines ................................................................................... 84
10.4 Requirements for boilers main and auxiliary ...................................................................... 85
10.5 Requirements for gas turbines ............................................................................................. 85
10.6 Requirements for fuel cells .................................................................................................. 86
11 FIRE SAFETY ............................................................................................................................. 87
11.1 Goal ....................................................................................................................................... 87
11.2 Functional requirements ...................................................................................................... 87
11.3 General .................................................................................................................................. 87
11.4 Requirements for fire protection ......................................................................................... 87
11.5 Requirements for fire main .................................................................................................. 88
11.6 Requirements for water spray system ................................................................................ 88
page 5

11.7 Requirements for dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing system.................................... 89
11.8 Requirements for fire detection and alarm system ............................................................ 89
12 EXPLOSION PROTECTION [AREA CLASSIFICATION] ........................................................................... 89
12.1 Goal ....................................................................................................................................... 89
12.2 Functional requirements ...................................................................................................... 89
12.3 General requirements .......................................................................................................... 89
12.4 Area classification ................................................................................................................. 90
12.5 Hazardous area zones........................................................................................................... 90
13 VENTILATION ............................................................................................................................ 91
13.1 Goal ....................................................................................................................................... 91
13.2 Functional requirements ...................................................................................................... 91
13.3 General .................................................................................................................................. 92
13.4 Requirements for tank connection space ............................................................................ 94
13.5 Requirements for machinery spaces ................................................................................... 94
13.6 Requirements for fuel preparation room, pump and compressor rooms ......................... 94
13.7 Bunkering station ................................................................................................................. 95
13.8 Ducts and double pipes ........................................................................................................ 95
14 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS ......................................................................................................... 95
14.1 Goal ....................................................................................................................................... 95
14.2 Functional requirements ...................................................................................................... 95
14.3 General requirements .......................................................................................................... 96
15 CONTROL, MONITORING AND SAFETY SYSTEMS .............................................................................. 96
15.1 Goal ....................................................................................................................................... 96
15.2 Functional requirements ...................................................................................................... 96
15.3 General requirements .......................................................................................................... 97
15.4 Requirements for bunkering and gas tank monitoring ....................................................... 97
15.5 Requirements for bunkering control ................................................................................... 99
15.6 Requirements for gas compressor monitoring .................................................................... 99
15.7 Requirements for gas engine monitoring ............................................................................ 99
15.8 Requirements for gas detection .......................................................................................... 99
15.9 Requirements for fire detection ........................................................................................ 100
15.10 Requirements for ventilation ............................................................................................. 100
15.11 Safety functions of gas supply systems ............................................................................. 101
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPS ............................................................................................. 104
page 6

USING ETHYL OR METHYL ALCOHOL AS FUEL ................................................................................ 104
2 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPS USING ETHYL OR METHYL ALCOHOL AS FUEL: ......................... 104
2.1 Containment for low-flashpoint liquids ............................................................................. 104
2.1.1 Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 104
2.2 Entrance to pump room ..................................................................................................... 105
2.2.3 Pressure relief systems for low-flashpoint liquid fuel tanks ............................................... 105
PART B 106
[16 MANUFACTURE, WORKMANSHIP AND TESTING ............................................................................ 106
16.1 General ................................................................................................................................ 106
16.2 Testing ................................................................................................................................. 106
16.2.1 Testing during construction ................................................................................................. 106
16.2.2 Type A tanks ........................................................................................................................ 106
16.2.3 Type B tanks ........................................................................................................................ 107
16.2.4 Type C tanks ........................................................................................................................ 107
16.2.5.2 Testing ......................................................................................................................... 108
16.3 Gas piping systems ............................................................................................................. 108
16.4 Welding, post-weld heat treatment and non-destructive testing .................................... 108
16.4.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 108
16.4.2 Post-weld heat treatment .................................................................................................. 108
16.4.3 Non destructive testing ....................................................................................................... 108
16.5 Testing Requirements ........................................................................................................ 109
16.5.1 Type testing of piping components ..................................................................................... 109
16.5.2 System testing requirements .............................................................................................. 110
16.6 Other test requirements .................................................................................................... 111
PART C 112
[17 Training and operational requirements ............................................................................ 112
17.1 Goal of part ......................................................................................................................... 112
17.2 Functional requirements .................................................................................................... 112
17.3 Training requirement .......................................................................................................... 112
17.5 Category A training ............................................................................................................. 113
17.6 Categories B and C training ................................................................................................ 113
[17.7 Maintenance (Note: To be further considered) ................................................................. 114
18.1 Goal ......................................................................................................................................... 114
18.2 Functional requirements ........................................................................................................ 114
page 7

18.3 Requirements for bunkering operations .............................................................................. 115
18.3.1 Responsibilities .................................................................................................................... 115
18.3.2 Pre-bunkering Tests ............................................................................................................. 115
18.3.3 Ship-Bunkering Facility Communications ........................................................................... 116
18.3.4 Electrical Bonding ................................................................................................................ 116
18.3.5 Conditions for Transfer ....................................................................................................... 116
18.4 Requirements for enclosed space entry .............................................................................. 117
18.5 Requirements for Inerting and purging of fuel systems ....................................................... 117
18.6 Hot work on or near fuel systems ........................................................................................ 117
PART X 118
ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE ON DOCUMENTATION ........................................................................... 118
x.1 Documentation for fuel cell installations .......................................................................... 118
page 8

1 Preamble

[The purpose of this Code is to provide an international standard for ships, other than vessels
covered by the IGC Code, operating with gas or low-flashpoint liquids as fuel.

The basic philosophy of the Code is to provide mandatory criteria for the arrangement and
installation of machinery, equipment and systems for vessels operating with gas or
low-flashpoint liquids as fuel to minimize the risk to the ship, its crew and the environment,
having regard to the nature of the fuels involved.

Throughout the development of the Code it was recognized that it must be based upon
sound naval architectural and engineering principles and the best understanding available of
current operational experience, field data and research and development. Due to the rapidly
evolving new fuels technology, the Organization will periodically review the Code, taking into
account both experience and technical developments.]

[The Code addresses all areas that need special consideration for the usage of the gas or
low-flashpoint liquids as fuel. The basic philosophy of the IGF Code considers the goal based
approach (MSC 1/Circ. 1394). Therefore, goals and functional requirements were specified
for each section forming the basis for the design, construction and operation.]

The Code is structured into three parts:

.1 Part A: Design including sub-parts A-1 to A-x for some specific fuels
addressed by this Code;

.2 Part B: Manufacturing; and

.3 Part C: Operation.]
page 9

PART A

2 GENERAL

[2.1 Application
(Note: Application is not yet decided)

2.1.1 Unless expressly provided otherwise this Code applies to ships regardless of size,
including those of less than 500 gross tonnage, [other than vessels covered by the
IGC Code,] operating with fuels as defined in 2.2.15.

2.1.2 Subject to 2.1.1, unless expressly provided otherwise this Code shall apply to ships:

.1 for which the building contract is placed on or after [dd/mm/yyyy(date of
entry into force)]; or

.2 in the absence of a building contract, the keel of which is laid or which is at
a similar stage of construction on or after dd/mm/yyyy]; or

.3 the delivery of which is on or after [dd/mm/yyyy].

2.1.3 A ship, irrespective of the date of construction, which is converted to [consume gas,
dual fuel, multi fuel or low-flashpoint fuel as included in table 6.6.4.2] [use of gas or
low-flashpoint fuel as defined in 2.2.15 for main or auxiliary machinery] on or after
[dd/mm/yyy] shall comply with this Code.2.1.4. This Code shall apply in addition to the
relevant provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS),
1974 and the Protocol of 1998 relating thereto, as amended.

2.1.4 This Code is applicable to all low flash point fuels. Fuel in the context of this Code is
defined in 2.2.15. Other gases or low-flashpoint fuels may be considered by the
Administration provided the requirements of section 3 and section 4 are met and that
alternative design analysis according to paragraph 2.3 has been approved. The fuels are to
be designated at construction or conversion and those for which the vessel is built may not
be changed during service without the agreement of the Administration.]

2.2 Definitions

Unless otherwise stated below, definitions are as defined in SOLAS chapter II-2.

2.2.1 Accident means an uncontrolled event that may entail the loss of human life,
personal injuries, environmental damage or the loss of assets and financial interests.

2.2.2 Administration is ...........]

2.2.3 [Alternative design means an engineering analysis, evaluation and approval of a
design deviating from the prescriptive requirements.]

2.2.4 Breadth (B) means the maximum breadth of the ship, measured amidships to the
moulded line of the frame in a ship with a metal shell, and to the outer surface of the hull in a
ship with a shell of any other material. The breadth (B) shall be measured in metres.]

2.2.4bis Bunkering means the transfer of liquid or gaseous fuel from land based or floating
facilities into a ships' permanent tanks [or connection of portable tanks to the fuel supply
system.]

page 10

2.2.5 Certified safe type means electrical equipment that is certified safe by the relevant
authorities recognized by the Administration for operation in a flammable atmosphere based
on a recognized standard.
1


2.2.6 CNG means compressed natural gas ref.2.2.19.

2.2.7 [Control station means those spaces defined in SOLAS chapter II-2 and additionally
for this Code, the engine control room.]

2.2.8 Design pressure means..

XX Design vapour pressure 'P0' is the maximum gauge pressure, at the top of the tank,
to be used in the design of the tank.

XX Design temperature for selection of materials is the minimum temperature at which
liquefied gas fuel may be loaded or transported in the liquefied gas fuel tanks.

[7.4.1.4bis Service tank pressure is the gas pressure in the tank(s) needed for the normal
service of the ship project]

2.2.9 [Double block and bleed valve means a set of three automatic valves located at the
fuel supply to each of the gas engines.]

Alternatively:

2.2.9 [Double block and bleed valve means a set of two valves in series in a pipe and a
third valve enabling the pressure release from the pipe between those two valves. [The
arrangement may also consist of a two-way valve and a closing valve instead of three
separate valves.]

2.2.10 Dual fuel engines means engines that employ fuel covered by this Code (with pilot
fuel) and Oil fuel. Oil fuels may include distillate and residual fuels.

2.2.11 Enclosed space means any space within which, in the absence of artificial
ventilation, the ventilation will be limited and any explosive atmosphere will not be dispersed
naturally.
2


2.2.11bis Energy converters mean

2.2.12 ESD means emergency shutdown.

2.2.13 Explosion means a deflagration event of uncontrolled combustion.

2.2.14 Explosion pressure relief means measures provided to prevent the explosion
pressure in a container or an enclosed space exceeding the maximum overpressure the
container or space is designed for, by releasing the overpressure through designated
openings.


1
Refer to IEC 60079 series, Explosive atmospheres and IEC 60092-502:1999 Electrical Installations in
Ships Tankers Special Features.
2
See also definition in IEC 60092-502:1999.
page 11

2.2.14bis Fatique criterion for type C Tanks
(Note:Type C Tanks according chapter 7 are designed in a way that an initial crack will not
propagate through more than 50 per cent of the tank wall thickness during the lifetime of the
tank if the maximum number of pressure cycles and operation under north Atlantic conditions
are assumed.)

2.2.15 Fuel [in the context of this code] are the following gas fuels and low-flashpoint fuels:

Natural gas liquid and compressed
Propane liquid and compressed
Butane (i and n) liquid [and compressed]
Propane/Butane mixtures liquid [and compressed
Ethyl alcohol [liquid]
Methyl alcohol [liquid]]
Hydrogen [liquid and] compressed]
Dimethyl-ether liquid]

2.2.16 Fuel containment system is the arrangement for the storage of fuel including tank
connections. It includes where fitted, a primary and secondary barrier, associated insulation
and any intervening spaces, and adjacent structure if necessary for the support of these
elements. If the secondary barrier is part of the hull structure it may be a boundary of the fuel
storage hold space.

The spaces around the fuel tank are defined as follows:

.1 Fuel storage hold space is the space enclosed by the ship's structure in
which a fuel containment system is situated. If tank connections are located
in the fuel storage hold space, it will also be a tank connection space, and
will have to fulfil the requirements for both spaces;

(Note: Requirements in definition)

.2 Interbarrier Space is the space between a primary and a secondary barrier,
whether or not completely or partially occupied by insulation or other
material; and

.3 Tank connection space is a space surrounding all tank connections and tank
valves that is required for tanks with such connections in enclosed spaces.
[Welding joints between the fuel tank and the first flanges of the pipes
connected to the fuel tank are not considered as tank connections in the
case where these joints satisfy the requirements of this Code for the fuel
tank.] The space shall be gas tight towards adjacent spaces and able to
safely contain any leakage
1
from the tank in case of leakage in the tank
connections or other connections or equipment, without this leakage
spreading to other spaces, or leading to unsafe following incidents. The
space shall be thermally insulated from ship steel as required to protect the
hull from temperatures below those allowable.]

(Note: move to chapter 7)

Add footnote: The leakage from connections fastened by bolts such as flange connection is considered as
droplet, and full bore discharge is not considered where the connection is maintainable. (Note: This footnote is
questioned)

page 12

2.2.x [Fuel preparation room]

2.2.x [Tank connection spaces ........(No definition in the IGC Code)]

2.2.17 Fuel cell means [a source of electrical power in which the chemical energy of the
fuel I converted directly into electrical energy by electrochemical oxidation]

2.2.18 Gas means a fluid having a vapour pressure exceeding 2.8 bar absolute at a
temperature of 37.8C.

2.2.19 Gas only engine means a power generating engine capable of operating on
gas-only, [and not able to switch over to oil fuel operation].

2.2.20 Hazardous area mean an area in which an explosive gas atmosphere or a
flammable gas or vapour is or may be expected to be present, in quantities such as to
require special precautions for the construction, installation and use of electrical apparatus or
any other equipment that may provide potential sources of ignition].

Hazardous areas are divided into zone 0, 1 and 2 as defined below.
3


.1 Zone 0 is an area in which an explosive gas atmosphere or a flammable
gas or vapour is present continuously or is present for long periods.

.2 Zone 1 is an area in which an explosive gas atmosphere or a flammable
gas or vapour is likely to occur in normal operation.

.3 Zone 2 is an area in which an explosive gas atmosphere or a flammable
gas or vapour is not likely to occur in normal operation and, if it does occur,
is likely to do so only infrequently and will exist for a short period only.

2.2.21 High pressure piping means gas fuel piping with maximum working pressure greater
than 10 bar.

2.2.22 IEC means the International Electrotechnical Commission.

XX Independent tanks are self-supporting, do not form part of the ship's hull and are not
essential to the hull strength.

2.2.23 LEL means the lower explosive limit.

2.2.24 Length (L) is the length as defined in the International Convention on Load Lines in
force.

2.2.25 LNG means liquefied natural gas, ref.2.1.23.
(Note: Need the explanation in the preamble of the guidelines?)

2.2.26 MARVS means the maximum allowable relief valve setting

2.2.27 MAWP means the Maximum allowable working pressure of a system component or
tank.


3
Refer also to the area classification specified in Sec.2.5of IEC 60079-10-1:2008 Explosive atmospheres
Part 10-1: Classification of areas Explosive gas atmospheres.
page 13

XX Membrane tanks are non-self-supporting tanks that consist of a thin liquid and gas
tight layer (membrane) supported through insulation by the adjacent hull structure.
Membrane tanks are covered in 7.4.23.

2.2.28 Multi fuel engines means engines that can use two or more different fuels that are
separate from each other, [and which do not require a pilot fuel or spark device for ignition].

2.2.29 Non-hazardous area means an area which is not considered to be hazardous,
i.e. gas safe, provided certain conditions are being met.

2.2.30 Normal operating pressure means..

[2.2.31 Open deck means a deck that at least is open on both ends/sides, or is open on one
end and equipped with adequate natural ventilation that is effective over the entire length of
the deck through permanent openings distributed in the side panels or in the deck [above]
[where vapours may accumulate].
(Note: It is proposed that the bottom should be open with reference to the IGC-Code)

2.2.32 Pilot fuel means.

2.2.32bis Recognized organization means an organization recognized by an Administration
in accordance with IMO resolutions A.739(18) and A.789(19).

2.2.33 Risk is an expression for the combination of the likelihood and the severity of the
consequences

2.2.34 Secondary barrier is the liquid-resisting outer element of a fuel containment system
designed to afford temporary containment of any envisaged leakage of liquid fuel through the
primary barrier [and to prevent the lowering of the temperature of the ships structure to an
unsafe level] from BLG 17/8/2.

2.2.35 Secondary[protection] means that a failure of the first barrier will not lead to a
hazard because of the secondary protection.

2.2.36 Semi-enclosed space means a space where the natural conditions of ventilation are
notably different from those on open deck due to the presence of structure such as roofs,
winbreaks and bulkheads and which are so arranged that dispersion of gas may not occur.
4


2.2.37 Source of release means any [location in the fuel system?] that can potentially
release a flammable fuel]

Alternatively
2.2.37 Source of release means a point or location from which a gas, vapour, mist or liquid
may be released into the atmosphere so that an explosive atmosphere may be formed under
normal operating conditions, for example valves and flanges in cargo piping systems.

[2.2.38 Unacceptable loss of power means that it is not possible to maintain the power for
[manoeuvrability] [main propulsion] and for essential [power supply] [services].
(Note: Text from SOLAS to be considered: normal operation of propulsion machinery can be
sustained" with "partial reduction in propulsion capability]

[2.2.39 Vapour pressure is the equilibrium pressure of the saturated vapour above the
liquid, expressed in Pascal (Pa) absolute at a specified temperature.]

4
Refer also to IEC 60092-502:1999 Electrical Installations in Ships Tankers Special Features.
page 14


Possible additional definitions:
gas heater, open gas source, low melting point, consumer, company, fuel conditioning, , first
barrier, essential machinery, boilers...

(Note: For LNG fuelled ships, while the definition of "gas" is given in paragraph 2.2.18, the word "gas"
(or "fuel")has following different meanings:
.1 gas (fuel) vapour not including liquefied gas (fuel);
.2 liquefied gas (fuel); or
.3 .1 and .2 .

In our understanding, for example,
the "gas" in paragraph 15.5.1 means .1 above;
the "gas" in paragraph 15.3.2 and 15.4.1 means .2 above; and
the "gas" or "fuel" in paragraph 8.2.3, 8.2.4, 8.3.1, etc. means .3 above.

These wordings (definitions) should be cleaned up at later stage, ex. at drafting group, in order to avoid
confusions and to ensure the intended safety level.)

2.3 Alternative design

2.3.1 This Code contains functional requirements for all appliances and arrangements
related to the usage of low flashpoint fuels.

2.3.2 Fuels, appliances and arrangements of low flashpoint fuel systems may either:

deviate from those set out in this Code, or
be designed for use of a fuel not specifically addressed in this Code.

Such fuels, appliances and arrangements can be used provided that these meet the intent of
the goal and functional requirements concerned and provide an equivalent level of safety of
the relevant chapters.

2.3.3 The equivalence of the alternative design shall be demonstrated as specified in
SOLAS chapter II-1 Part F, Regulation 55 and approved by the Administration. However, the
Administration shall not allow operational methods or procedures to be applied as an
alternative to a particular fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, item of equipment, or type
thereof which is prescribed by the Code.


2.4 Survey and certification

2.4.1 Surveys shall be performed and certification issued in accordance with the
provisions of SOLAS 1974, as modified by its 1988 Protocol and as amended, chapter 1
Part B regulation 6 or 7, as applicable
5
.

(Note: If agreed to require a certificate information on portable tanks should be included and we need to develop a
form of certificate for inclusion in the IGF-Code)

3 GOAL AND FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Goal

3.1.1 The goal of this Code is to provide for safe and environmentally friendly design,
construction and operation of ships [and in particular their] installations of systems for

5
Refer to resolution A.997(25) Revised survey guidelines under the harmonized system of survey and
certification
page 15

propulsion machinery, auxiliary power generation machinery and/or other purpose machinery
using gas or low-flashpoint fuel as fuel.

3.2 Functional requirements

3.2.1 The safety, reliability and dependability of the systems shall be equivalent to that
achieved with new and comparable conventional oil-fuelled main and auxiliary machinery.

3.2.2 The probability and consequences of fuel-related hazards shall be limited to a
minimum through arrangement and system design, such as ventilation, detection and safety
actions. [In the event of gas leakage or failure of the risk reducing measures, necessary
safety actions shall be initiated.]

3.2.2bis The design philosophy shall ensure that the gas fuel installation is safe without
compromising the required availability of power generation and propulsion] [ensuring fuel
availability for power needed for safe maneuvering of the vessel].

3.2.3 Hazardous areas shall be restricted, as far as practicable, to minimize the potential
risks that might affect the safety of the ship, persons on board, and equipment.

3.2.4 Equipment installed in hazardous areas shall be minimized to that required for
operational purposes and shall be suitably and appropriately certified.

3.2.5 Unintended accumulation of explosive, flammable or toxic gas concentrations shall
be prevented.

3.2.6 System components shall be protected against external damages.

3.2.7 Sources of ignition in hazardous areas shall be eliminated to reduce the probability
of explosions.

3.2.9 It shall be arranged for safe and suitable fuel supply, storage and bunkering
arrangements capable of taking on board and containing the fuel in the required state without
leakage or environmental emissions (venting) during all routine and unscheduled operations
and situations including idle periods.

Alternatively:

3.2.9 It shall be arranged for safe and suitable, storage and bunkering arrangements
capable of receiving and containing the fuel in the required state without leakage. The
system shall be designed to prevent venting under all normal operating conditions including
idle periods.

3.2.10 Piping systems, containment and over-pressure relief arrangements that are of
suitable design, construction and installation for their intended application shall be provided.

3.2.11 Machinery, systems and components shall be designed, constructed, installed,
operated, maintained and protected to ensure safe and reliable operation.

3.2.12 Fuel containment system and machinery spaces containing source that might
release gas into the space shall be arranged and located such that a fire or explosion in
either will not render the essential machinery or equipment in other compartments
inoperable.

3.2.13 Suitable control, alarm, monitoring and shutdown systems shall be provided to
ensure safe and reliable operation.
page 16


3.2.14 Fixed gas detection suitable for all spaces and areas concerned shall be arranged.

3.2.15 Fire detection, protection and extinction measures appropriate to the hazards
concerned shall be provided.

3.2.16 Commissioning, trials and maintenance of fuel systems and gas utilization
machinery shall satisfy the goal in terms of safety, availability and reliability.

3.2.17 The technical documentation shall permit an assessment of the compliance of the
system and its components with the applicable rules, guidelines, design standards used and
the principles related to safety, availability, maintainability and reliability.

3.2.19 A single failure in a technical system or component shall not lead to an unsafe or
unreliable situation.

4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Goal

4.1.1 The goal of this chapter is to ensure that the necessary assessments of the risks
involved are carried out in order to eliminate or mitigate any adverse effect to the persons on
board, the environment or the ship.

4.2 Risk assessment

4.2.1 A risk assessment shall be conducted to ensure that risks arising from the use of
gas-fuel or low-flashpoint fuels affecting persons on board, the environment, the structural
strength or the integrity of the ship are addressed. Consideration shall be given to the
hazards associated with physical layout, operation, and maintenance, following any
reasonably foreseeable failure.

4.2.2 The risks shall be analysed using acceptable and recognized risk analysis
techniques, and loss of function, component damage, fire, explosion and electric shock shall
as a minimum be considered. The analysis shall ensure that risks are eliminated wherever
possible. Risks which cannot be eliminated shall be mitigated as necessary. Details of risks,
and the means by which they are mitigated, shall be documented to the satisfaction of the
Administration.

4.3 Limitation of explosion consequences

4.3.1 An explosion in any space containing any potential sources of release
6
and potential
ignition sources shall not:

.1 cause damage to or disrupt the proper functioning of equipment/systems
located in any space other than that in which the incident occurs;

.2 damage the ship in such a way that flooding of water below the main deck
or any progressive flooding occur;

.3 damage work areas or accommodation in such a way that persons who
stay in such areas under normal operating conditions are injured;


6
Double wall fuel pipes are not considered as potential sources of release
page 17

.4 disrupt the proper functioning of control stations and switchboard rooms
necessary for power distribution;

.5 damage life-saving equipment or associated launching arrangements;

.6 disrupt the proper functioning of fire-fighting equipment located outside the
explosion-damaged space; or

.7 affect other areas of the vessel in such a way that chain reactions involving,
inter alia, cargo, gas and bunker oil may arise.

.8 prevent persons access to life saving appliances or impede escape routes

page 18

PART A-1

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPS USING NATURAL GAS AS FUEL


5 SHIP DESIGN AND ARRANGEMENT

5.1 Goal

5.1.1 The goal of this chapter is to provide for safe location, space arrangements and
mechanical protection of power generation equipment, fuel storage system, fuel supply
equipment and refuelling systems.

5.2 Functional requirements

5.2.1 This chapter is related to functional requirements 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.5, 3.2.6,
3.2.8, 3.2.12, 3.2.13, 3.2.14, 3.2.15 and 3.2.17 of this Code. In particular the following apply:

.1 The fuel tank shall be sufficiently protected against the effect of external
damage caused by collision, grounding, fire or other possible operational
damage causes.

.2 Fuel containment systems, fuel piping and other fuel release sources shall
be so located and arranged that released gas are lead to safe locations [in
the open air].

.3 The access or other openings to spaces containing fuel release sources
shall be so arranged that flammable, asphyxiating or toxic gas cannot
escape to spaces that are not designed for the presence of such gases.

.4 Fuel piping shall be protected against mechanical damage

.5 The propulsion and fuel supply system shall be so designed that the
remaining power for propulsion and power generation after any gas
leakage with following safety actions shall be sufficient for maintaining
maneuverability and for providing power for essential services.
(Keep in 5.2. Move to 9.2. Move to 10.2.)

.6 The probability of a gas explosion in a machinery space with gas or
low-flashpoint fuelled machinery shall be minimized.

5.3 General requirements

5.3.1 The space containing fuel containment system shall be separated from the
machinery spaces of category A or other rooms with high fire risks. The separation shall be
done by a cofferdam of at least 900 mm with insulation of A-60 class. When determining the
insulation of the space containing fuel containment system from other spaces with lower fire
risks, the fuel containment system shall be considered as a machinery space of category A,
in accordance with SOLAS regulation II-2/9. The boundary between spaces containing fuel
containment systems shall be either a cofferdam of at least 900 mm or A-60 class division."


5.3.2 Fuel storage tanks shall be protected against mechanical damage.

page 19

5.3.3 Fuel storage tanks or and equipment located on open deck shall be located to
assure sufficient natural ventilation, so as to prevent accumulation of escaped gas.

[5.3.4 The fuel storage tank(s) [if located in enclosed spaces] shall be protected from
external damage caused by collision or grounding in the following way:

5.3.4.1 The fuel storage tank(s) shall be placed as close as possible to the centreline of the
ship:

.1 minimum, [the lesser of B/5 and 11.5 m] from the ship side at right angles
to the centreline at the level of the summer load line;

.2 [minimum, [the lesser of B/15 and 2 m] from the moulded line of the bottom
shell plating at centreline; and

.3 not less than 760 mm from the shell plating.]

[5.3.5 For ships other than passenger ships [and multihulls], a tank location closer than B/5
from the ship side may be accepted and shall be taken as:

(Note: Limitations to be inserted based in input from SLF.)]

[5.3.6 When fuel is carried in a fuel containment system requiring a complete or partial
secondary barrier:

.1 at temperatures below minus 10C, hold spaces shall be segregated from
the sea by a double bottom; and

.2 at temperatures below minus 55C, the ship shall also have a longitudinal
bulkhead forming side tanks.]

(Note: Deletion of 5.3.6 supported however should consider if these requirements for double bottom and
longitudinal bulkheads should be included in 6.4.3 and 6.4.4.)

5.4 Machinery space concepts

5.4.1 In order to minimize the probability of a gas explosion in a machinery space with
gas-fuelled machinery one of these two alternative concepts may be applied:

.1 Gas safe machinery spaces: Arrangements in machinery spaces are such
that the spaces are considered gas safe under all conditions, normal as
well as abnormal conditions, i.e. inherently gas safe.

In a gas safe machinery space a single failure cannot lead to release of fuel
gas into the machinery space.

.2 ESD-protected machinery spaces: Arrangements in machinery spaces are
such that the spaces are considered non-hazardous under normal
conditions, but under certain abnormal conditions may have the potential to
become hazardous. In the event of abnormal conditions involving gas
hazards, emergency shutdown (ESD) of non-safe equipment (ignition
sources) and machinery shall be automatically executed while equipment or
machinery in use or active during these conditions shall be of a certified
safe type.

page 20

In an ESD protected machinery space a single failure may result in a gas
release into the space. Venting is designed to accommodate a probable
maximum leakage scenario due to technical failures.

Failures leading to dangerous gas concentrations, e.g. gas pipe ruptures or
blow out of gaskets are covered by explosion pressure release devices and
ESD arrangements.

5.5 Requirements for gas safe machinery space

5.5.1 A single failure within the fuel system shall not lead to a gas release into the
machinery space.

5.5.2 All fuel piping within machinery space boundaries shall be enclosed in a gas tight
enclosure in accordance with 8.6.

5.6 Requirements for ESD-protected machinery spaces

5.6.1 ESD protection is limited to machinery spaces that are certified for periodically
unattended operation.

5.6.2 Measures shall be applied to protect against explosion, damage of areas outside of
the machinery space and ensure redundancy of power supply. The following arrangement
shall be provided but may not be limited to:

Gas detector
Shut of valve
Redundancy
Efficient ventilation
Inerting measures

5.6.3 Gas supply piping within machinery spaces may be accepted without a gastight
external enclosure on the following conditions:

.1 Engines for generating propulsion power and electric power shall be
located in two or more machinery spaces not having any common
boundaries unless it can be documented that a single casualty will not
affect both spaces.

.2 The gas machinery space shall contain only a minimum of such necessary
equipment, components and systems as are required to ensure that the
gas machinery maintains its function.

.3 A fixed gas detection system arranged to automatically shutdown the gas
supply and disconnect all non-explosion protected equipment or
installations shall be fitted, as outlined in 15.7 and 15.9.

(Note: It is commented that the term explosion protected is not defined in any international standard. Should we
use ex-protected?

page 21

5.6.4 Distribution of engines between the different machinery spaces shall be such that in
the case of shutdown of fuel supply to any one machinery space it is possible to maintain
sufficient power for manoeuvrability and for essential power supply for sea going services.

5.7 Requirements for location and protection of fuel piping

5.7.1 Gas pipes shall not be located less than 760 mm from the ship's side.

[5.7.2 Gas fuel piping, whether single or double walled, shall not be led directly through
accommodation spaces, service spaces, electrical equipment rooms or control stations
unless the gas piping is double walled and led through a dedicated duct.
The routeing of the piping shall take into account potential hazards due to mechanical
damage.]

5.7.3 Gas pipes led through ro-ro spaces, special category spaces and on open decks
shall be protected against mechanical damage.

5.7.4 Gas fuel piping in ESD protected machinery spaces shall be located as far as
practicable from the electrical installations and tanks containing flammable liquids.

5.7.5 Fuel piping in ESD protected machinery spaces shall be protected against
mechanical damage.

5.8 Requirements for machinery space design

5.8.1 ESD protected machinery spaces separated by a single bulkhead shall have
sufficient strength to withstand the effects of a local gas explosion in either space, without
affecting the integrity of the adjacent space and equipment within that space.

5.8.2 ESD protected machinery spaces shall be designed to provide a geometrical shape
that will minimize the accumulation of gases or formation of gas pockets.

5.8.3 The ventilation system of ESD-protected machinery spaces shall be arranged in
accordance with 13.5.2.

5.8.4 Fuel preparation rooms or Compressor rooms if arranged, shall be located on an
open deck, unless those rooms are arranged and fitted in accordance with the requirements
of this Code for tank connection spaces.

5.9 Requirements for bilge systems

5.9.1 Bilge systems installed in areas where fuel covered by this Code can be present
shall be segregated from the bilge system of spaces where fuel cannot be present.

5.9.2 Where liquid gas fuel is carried in a fuel containment system not requiring a
secondary barrier, suitable drainage arrangements for the fuel storage hold spaces that are
not connected with the machinery space shall be provided. Means of detecting any leakage
shall be provided.

5.9.3 Where there is a secondary barrier, suitable drainage arrangements for dealing with
any leakage into the hold or insulation spaces through the adjacent ship structure shall be
provided. The bilge system shall not lead to pumps in safe spaces. Means of detecting such
leakage shall be provided.

page 22

5.9.4 The hold or interbarrier spaces of Type A independent tanks for liquid gas shall be
provided with a drainage system suitable for handling liquid fuel in the event of fuel tank
leakage or rupture.

5.10 Requirements for drip trays

5.10.1 Drip trays shall be fitted where leakage may occur which can cause damage to the
ship structure or where limitation of the area which is effected from a spill is necessary.

5.10.2 Drip trays shall be made of suitable material.

5.10.3 The drip tray shall be thermally insulated from the ship's structure so that the
surrounding hull or deck structures are not exposed to unacceptable cooling, in case of
leakage of liquid gas.

5.10.4 Each tray shall be fitted with a drain valve to enable rain water to be drained over
the ship's side.

5.10.5 Each tray shall have a sufficient capacity to ensure that the maximum amount of
spill according to the safety analysis can be handled.

5.11 Requirements for arrangement of entrances and other openings

5.11.1 Direct access shall not be permitted from a non-hazardous space to a hazardous
space. Where such openings are necessary for operational reasons, an air lock which
complies with the requirements of chapter 5.12 shall be provided.

5.11.2 If the fuel preparation room is approved located below deck, the room shall, as far
as practicable, have an independent access direct from the open deck. Where a separate
access from deck is not practicable, an air lock which complies with the requirements of
chapter 5.12 shall be provided.

5.11.3 Unless access to the tank connection space is independent and direct from open
deck it shall be arranged as a bolted hatch. The space containing the bolted hatch will be a
hazardous space.

5.11.4 If the access to an ESD-protected machinery space is from another enclosed space
in the ship, the entrances shall be arranged with an air lock which complies with the
requirements of chapter 5.12.

5.11.5 For inerted spaces access arrangements shall be such that unintended entry by
personnel shall be prevented. If access to such spaces is not from open deck, sealing
arrangements shall ensure that leakages of inert gas to adjacent spaces are prevented.

5.12 Requirements for air locks

5.12.1 An air lock is a space enclosed by gastight [steel] bulkheads with two substantially
gastight doors spaced at least 1.5 m and not more than 2.5 m apart. Unless subject to the
requirements of the International Convention on Load Line, the door sill shall not be less than
300 mm in height. The doors shall be self-closing without any holding back arrangements.

5.12.2 Air locks shall be mechanically ventilated at an overpressure relative to the adjacent
hazardous area or space.

page 23

5.12.2 bis The air lock has to be designed in a way that no gas can be released to
safe spaces in case of the most critical event in the gas dangerous space separated
by the air lock. The events shall be evaluated in the risk analysis according to 4.2.1.

5.12.3 Air locks shall have a simple geometrical form. They shall provide free and easy
passage, and shall have a deck area not less than 1.5 m
2
. Air locks shall not be used for
other purposes, for instance as store rooms.

5.12.4 An audible and visual alarm system to give a warning on both sides of the air lock
shall be provided to indicate if more than one door is moved from the closed position.

5.12.5 For non hazardous spaces with access from hazardous open deck where the
access is protected by an airlock, electrical equipment which is not of the certified safe type
shall be de-energized upon loss of overpressure in the space.

5.12.6 For non hazardous spaces with access from hazardous spaces below deck where
the access is protected by an airlock, upon loss of under pressure in the hazardous space
access to the space is to be restricted until the ventilation has been re-instated. Audible and
visual alarms shall be given at a manned location to indicate both loss of pressure and
opening of the airlock doors when pressure is lost.

5.12.7 Essential equipment required for safety shall not be de-energized and shall be of a
certified safe type. This may include lighting, fire detection, public address, general alarms
systems.

5.12.8 Electrical equipment which is not of the certified safe type for propulsion, power
generation, manoeuvring, anchoring and mooring equipment as well as the emergency fire
pumps shall not be located in spaces to be protected by air-locks.

6 FUEL CONTAINMENT SYSTEM

6.1 Goal

6.1.1 The goal of this chapter is to provide that gas storage is adequate so as to minimize
the risk to personnel, the ship and the environment to a level that is equivalent to a
conventional oil fuelled ship.

6.2 Functional requirements

6.2.1 This chapter relates to functional requirements 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.5, 3.2.8, 3.2.9,
3.2.10, 3.2.11, 3.2.12, 3.2.13, 3.2.14, 3.2.15, 3.2.16 and 3.2.17. In particular the following
apply:

.1 The fuel containment system shall be so designed that a leak from the tank
or its connections does not endanger the ship, persons on board or the
environment. Potential dangers to be avoided include:

.1 exposure of ship materials to temperatures below acceptable
limits;

.2 flammable fuels spreading to locations with ignition sources;

.3 toxicity potential and risk of oxygen deficiency due to fuels and
inert gases;

page 24

.4 restriction of access to muster stations, escape routes and LSA;
and

.5 reduction in availability of LSA.

.2 The pressure and temperature in the fuel tank shall be kept within the
design limits of the containment system and possible carriage requirements
of the fuel.

.3 The fuel containment arrangement shall be so designed that the remaining
power for propulsion and power generation after any gas leakage shall be
sufficient for maintaining manoeuvrability and for providing power for
essential services. (Proposed moved to 9.3)

.4 If portable tanks are used for fuel storage, the design of the fuel
containment system shall be equivalent to permanent installed tanks as
described in chapter 7 of this Code.

6.3 General requirements

6.3.1 Natural gas in a liquid state may be stored with a maximum allowable relief valve
setting (MARVS) of up to 10 bar g.

6.3.2 The Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) of the gas tank shall not
exceed 90 per cent of the Maximum Allowable relief Valve Setting (MARVS).

6.3.3 A fuel containment system located below deck shall be gas tight towards adjacent
spaces.

6.3.4 All tank connections, fittings, flanges and tank valves must be enclosed in gas tight
tank connection spaces, unless the tank connections are on open deck. The space shall be
able to safely contain leakage from the tank in case of leakage from the tank connections.

6.3.5 Pipe connections to the fuel storage tank shall be mounted above the highest liquid
level in the tanks, except for fuel storage tanks of Type C. Connections below the highest
liquid level may however also be accepted for other tank types after special consideration by
the Administration.

6.3.6 Piping between the tank and the first valve which release liquid in case of pipe
failure shall have equivalent safety as the type C tank, with dynamic stress not exceeding the
values given in 6.4.15.3.1.2.

6.3.7 The material of the bulkheads of the tank connection space shall have a design
temperature corresponding with the lowest temperature it can be subject to in a probable
maximum leakage scenario. The tank connection space shall be designed to withstand the
maximum pressure build up during such a leakage. Alternatively, pressure relief venting to a
safe location (mast) can be provided.

6.3.8 The probable maximum leakage into the tank connection space shall be determined
based on detail design, detection and shut down systems.

6.3.8bis The fuel storage hold space shall not be used for machinery or equipment that may
have a fire risk.
(Note: To be moved to 11.4.

page 25

6.3.9 If piping is connected below the liquid level of the tank it has to be protected by a
secondary barrier up to the first valve.

6.3.10 If liquefied gas fuel storage tanks are located on open deck the ship steel shall be
protected from potential leakages from tank connections and other sources of leakage by
use of drip trays. The material is to have a design temperature corresponding to the
temperature of the fuel carried at atmospheric pressure. The normal operation pressure of
the tanks shall be taken into consideration for protecting the steel structure of the ship.

6.3.11 Means shall be provided whereby liquefied gas in the storage tanks can be safely
emptied.

6.3.12 It shall be possible to empty, purge gas and vent fuel storage tanks with gas piping
systems. Proper instructions for carrying out these procedures must be available on board.
Inerting shall be performed with an inert gas prior to venting with dry air to avoid an explosion
hazardous atmosphere in tanks and gas pipes. See detailed requirements in chapter 6.10.

6.4 Liquefied gas fuel containment

6.4.1 General

6.4.1.1 The risk assessment required in section 4.2 shall include evaluation of the vessels
liquefied gas fuel containment system, and may lead to additional safety measures for
integration into the overall vessel design.

6.4.1.2 The design life of fixed liquefied gas fuel containment system shall not be less than
the design life of the ship or 20 years, whichever is greater.

6.4.1.3 The design life of portable tanks shall not be less than 20 years.

6.4.1.4 Liquefied gas fuel containment systems shall be designed in accordance with North
Atlantic environmental conditions and relevant long-term sea state scatter diagrams for
unrestricted navigation. Less demanding environmental conditions, consistent with the
expected usage, may be accepted by the Administration for liquefied gas fuel containment
systems used exclusively for restricted navigation. More demanding environmental
conditions may be required for liquefied gas fuel containment systems operated in conditions
more severe than the North Atlantic environment
78
.

6.4.1.5 Liquefied gas fuel containment systems shall be designed with suitable safety
margins:

.1 to withstand, in the intact condition, the environmental conditions
anticipated for the liquefied gas fuel containment system's design life and
the loading conditions appropriate for them, which shall include full
homogeneous and partial load conditions and partial filling to any
intermediate levels; and

.2 being appropriate for uncertainties in loads, structural modelling, fatigue,
corrosion, thermal effects, material variability, aging and construction
tolerances.

7
IACS Rec.034 is referred.

8
North Atlantic environmental conditions refer to wave conditions. Assumed temperatures are used for
determining appropriate material qualities with respect to design temperatures and is another matter not
intended to be covered in 7.4.1.2.
page 26



6.4.1.6 The liquefied gas fuel containment system structural strength shall be assessed
against failure modes, including but not limited to plastic deformation, buckling and fatigue.
The specific design conditions that shall be considered for the design of each liquefied gas
fuel containment system are given in 6.7.3.1. There are three main categories of design
conditions:

.1 Ultimate Design Conditions The liquefied gas fuel containment system
structure and its structural components shall withstand loads liable to occur
during its construction, testing and anticipated use in service, without loss
of containment. The design shall take into account proper combinations of
the following loads:

Internal pressure;
External pressure;
Dynamic loads due to the motion of the ship in all loading conditions;
Thermal loads;
Sloshing loads;
Loads corresponding to ship deflections;
Tank and liquefied gas fuel weight with the corresponding reaction in
way of supports;
Insulation weight;
Loads in way of towers and other attachments; and
Test loads.

.2 Fatigue Design Conditions The liquefied gas fuel containment system
structure and its structural components shall not fail under accumulated
cyclic loading.

.3 Accidental Design Conditions The liquefied gas fuel containment system
shall provide the indicated response to each of the following accident
design conditions (accidental or abnormal events), addressed in this Code:

Collision The liquefied gas fuel containment system shall withstand
the collision loads specified in 6.4.9.5.1 without deformation likely to
endanger the tank and its supporting structure.

Fire The liquefied gas fuel containment systems shall sustain without
rupture the rise in internal pressure specified in 7.4 under the fire
scenarios envisaged therein.

Flooded compartment causing buoyancy on tank the anti-flotation
arrangements shall sustain the upward force, specified in 6.4.9.5.2 and
there should be no endangering plastic deformation to the fuel
containment system and the hull.

6.4.1.7 Measures shall be applied to ensure that scantlings required meet the structural
strength provisions and are maintained throughout the design life. Measures may include,
but are not limited to, material selection, coatings, corrosion additions, cathodic protection
and inerting.

6.4.1.8 An inspection/survey plan for the liquefied gas fuel containment system shall be
developed and approved by the Administration or its Recognized Organization. The
inspection/survey plan shall identify aspects to be examined and/or validated during surveys
page 27

throughout the liquefied gas fuel containment system's life and, in particular, any necessary
in-service survey, maintenance and testing that was assumed when selecting liquefied gas
fuel containment system design parameters. The inspection/survey plan may include specific
critical locations as per 6.4.12.2.8.

6.4.1.9 Liquefied gas fuel containment systems shall be designed, constructed and
equipped to provide adequate means of access to areas that need inspection as specified in
the inspection/survey plan. Liquefied gas fuel containment systems, including all associated
internal equipment shall be designed and built to ensure safety during operations, inspection
and maintenance.

6.4.1.10 Maintenance and repair procedures shall include considerations with respect to the
tank location and adjacent spaces (see chapter 5).

6.4.2 Liquefied gas fuel containment safety principles

6.4.2.1 The containment systems shall be provided with a full secondary liquid-tight barrier
capable of safely containing all potential leakages through the primary barrier and, in
conjunction with the thermal insulation system, of preventing lowering of the temperature of
the ship structure to an unsafe level.

6.4.2.2 The size and configuration or arrangement of the secondary barrier may be reduced
or omitted where an equivalent level of safety can be demonstrated in accordance with the
requirements of 6.4.2.3 to 6.4.2.5 as applicable.

6.4.2.3 Liquefied gas fuel containment systems for which the probability for structural
failures to develop into a critical state has been determined to be extremely low, but where
the possibility of leakages through the primary barrier cannot be excluded, shall be equipped
with a partial secondary barrier capable of safely handling and disposing of the leakages.

The arrangements shall comply with the following requirements:

.1 Failure developments that can be reliably detected before reaching a
critical state (e.g. by gas detection or inspection) shall have a sufficiently
long development time for remedial actions to be taken; and

.2 Failure developments that cannot be safely detected before reaching a
critical state shall have a predicted development time that is much longer
than the expected lifetime of the tank.

6.4.2.4 No secondary barrier is required for liquefied gas fuel containment systems,
e.g. Type C independent tanks, where the probability for structural failures and leakages
through the primary barrier is extremely low and can be neglected.

6.4.2.5 The structural failure/leakage probability level shall be evaluated to validate the
design without secondary barrier.

6.4.2.6 For independent tanks requiring full or partial secondary barrier, means for safely
disposing of leakages from the tank shall be arranged.

6.4.3 Secondary barriers in relation to tank types

6.4.3.1 Secondary barriers in relation to the tank types defined in 6.4.15.1 to 6.4.15.4 shall
be provided in accordance with the following table.

page 28

Fuel temperature at
atmospheric pressure
-10C and above Below -10C
down to -55C
Below -55C
Basic tank type No secondary barrier
required
Hull may act as
secondary barrier
Separate secondary
barrier where required
Membrane
Independent
Type A
Type B
Type C
Complete secondary barrier

Complete secondary barrier
Partial secondary barrier
No secondary barrier required



6.4.4 Design of secondary barriers

6.4.4.1 Where the liquefied gas fuel temperature at atmospheric pressure is not below
minus 55C, the hull structure may be designed as a secondary barrier based on the
following:

.1 the hull material shall be suitable for the liquefied gas fuel temperature at
atmospheric pressure as required by 6.4.18.1.4; and

.2 the design shall be such that this temperature will not result in unacceptable
hull stresses.

The location of a containment system using hull structure as secondary barrier shall be
specially considered in conjunction with surrounding spaces.

6.4.4.2 The design of the secondary barrier, including spray shield if fitted, shall be such
that:

.1 it is capable of containing any envisaged leakage of liquefied gas fuel for a
period of 15 days unless different criteria apply for particular voyages,
taking into account the load spectrum referred to in 6.4.12.2;

.2 physical, mechanical or operational events within the liquefied gas fuel tank
that could cause failure of the primary barrier shall not impair the due
function of the secondary barrier, or vice versa;

.3 failure of a support or an attachment to the hull structure will not lead to
loss of liquid tightness of both the primary and secondary barriers;

.4 it is capable of being periodically checked for its effectiveness by means of
a visual inspection or other suitable means acceptable to the Administration
or its Recognized Organization; and

.5 The methods required in 6.4.4.2.4 shall be approved by the Administration
or its Recognized Organization and shall include, as a minimum:

.1 Details on the size of defect acceptable and the location within the
secondary barrier, before its liquid tight effectiveness is
compromised;

.2 Accuracy and range of values of the proposed method for
detecting defects in point 1 above.

page 29

.3 Scaling factors to be used if full scale model testing is not
undertaken; and

.4 Effects of thermal and mechanical cyclic loading on the
effectiveness of the proposed test.

.6 The secondary barrier shall fulfil its functional requirements at a static angle
of heel of 30.

6.4.5 Partial secondary barriers

6.4.5.1 Partial secondary barriers as permitted in 6.4.2.3 shall be a small leak protection
system and meet all the requirements in 6.4.4.2.

The partial secondary barrier shall include means to detect a leak in the primary barrier,
provision such as a spray shield to deflect any liquefied gas fuel down into the partial
secondary barrier, and means to dispose of the liquid, which may be by natural evaporation.

6.4.5.2 The capacity of the partial secondary barrier shall be determined, based on the
liquefied gas fuel leakage corresponding to the extent of failure resulting from the load
spectrum referred to in 6.4.12.2.6, after the initial detection of a primary leak. Due account
may be taken of liquid evaporation, rate of leakage, pumping capacity and other relevant
factors.

6.4.5.3 The required liquid leakage detection may be by means of liquid sensors, or by an
effective use of pressure, temperature or gas detection systems, or any combination thereof.

6.4.5.4 Independent tanks for which the geometry does not present obvious locations for
leakage to collect, the partial secondary barrier shall also fulfil its functional requirements at a
nominal static angle of trim.

6.4.6 Supporting arrangements

6.4.6.1 The liquefied gas fuel tanks shall be supported by the hull in a manner that prevents
bodily movement of the tank under the static and dynamic loads defined in 6.4.9.2-6.4.9.5,
where applicable, while allowing contraction and expansion of the tank under temperature
variations and hull deflections without undue stressing of the tank and the hull.

6.4.6.2 Anti-flotation arrangements shall be provided for independent tanks and capable of
withstanding the loads defined in 6.4.9.5.2 without plastic deformation likely to endanger the
hull structure.

6.4.6.3 Supports and supporting arrangements shall withstand the loads defined in
6.4.9.3.3.8 and 6.4.9.5, but these loads need not be combined with each other or with
wave-induced loads.

6.4.7 Associated structure and equipment

6.4.7.1 Liquefied gas fuel containment systems shall be designed for the loads imposed by
associated structure and equipment. This includes pump towers, liquefied gas fuel domes,
liquefied gas fuel pumps and piping, stripping pumps and piping, N2 piping, access hatches,
ladders, piping penetrations, liquid level gauges, independent level alarm gauges, spray
nozzles, and instrumentation systems (such as pressure, temperature and strain gauges).

6.4.8 Thermal insulation
page 30


6.4.8.1 Thermal insulation shall be provided as required to protect the hull from
temperatures below those allowable and limit the heat flux into the tank to the levels that can
be maintained by the pressure and temperature control system applied in 6.9.

6.4.9 Design Loads

6.4.9.1 General

6.4.9.1.1 This section defines the design loads that shall be considered with regard to the
requirements in 6.4.10, 6.4.11 and 6.4.12. This includes:

Load categories (permanent, functional, environmental and accidental) and the
description of the loads.

6.4.9.1.2 The extent to which these loads shall be considered depends on the type of tank,
and is more fully detailed in the following paragraphs.

6.4.9.1.3 Tanks, together with their supporting structure and other fixtures, shall be designed
taking into account relevant combinations of the loads described below.

6.4.9.2 Permanent loads

6.4.9.2.1 Gravity loads

The weight of tank, thermal insulation, loads caused by towers and other attachments.

6.4.9.2.2 Permanent external loads

Gravity loads of structures and equipment acting externally on the tank.

6.4.9.3 Functional loads

6.4.9.3.1 Loads arising from the operational use of the tank system shall be classified as
functional loads.

6.4.9.3.2 All functional loads that are essential for ensuring the integrity of the tank system,
during all design conditions, shall be considered.

6.4.9.3.3 As a minimum, the effects from the following criteria, as applicable, shall be
considered when establishing functional loads:

Internal pressure
External pressure
Thermally induced loads
Vibration
Interaction loads
Loads associated with construction and installation
Test loads
Static heel loads
Weight of liquefied gas fuel
Sloshing
Wave impacts and green sea effect for tanks installed on open deck
Wind impact as relevant
page 31


6.4.9.3.3.1 Internal pressure

.1 In all cases, including 6.4.9.3.3.1.2, Po shall not be less than MARVS.

.2 For liquefied gas fuel tanks where there is no temperature control and
where the pressure of the liquefied gas fuel is dictated only by the ambient
temperature, Po shall not be less than the gauge vapour pressure of the
liquefied gas fuel at a temperature of 45C except as follows:

i) Lower values of ambient temperature may be accepted by the
Recognized Organization for ships operating in restricted areas.
Conversely, higher values of ambient temperature may be
required.

ii) For ships on voyages of restricted duration, Po may be calculated
based on the actual pressure rise during the voyage and account
may be taken of any thermal insulation of the tank.

.3 Subject to special consideration by the Administration and to the limitations
given in 6.4.15.1 to 6.4.15.4, for the various tank types, a vapour pressure
Ph higher than Po may be accepted for site specific conditions (harbour or
other locations), where dynamic loads are reduced.

.4 Pressure used for determining the internal pressure given in 6.4.12.1.4.
shall be:

o (Pgd)max is the associated liquid pressure determined using the
maximum design accelerations.

o (Pgd site)max is the associated liquid pressure determined using site
specific accelerations

o Peq should be the greater of Peq1 and Peq2 calculated as follows:

o Peq1 =Po+(Pgd)max (MPa) Peq2 =Ph+(Pgd site)max (MPa)

.5 The internal liquid pressures are those created by the resulting acceleration
of the centre of gravity of the liquefied gas fuel due to the motions of the
ship referred to in 6.4.13.1. The value of internal liquid pressure Pgd
resulting from combined effects of gravity and dynamic accelerations shall
be calculated as follows:

P
gd
=

(/(1.02x10
5
)) (MPa)

where:

=dimensionless acceleration (i.e. relative to the acceleration of gravity),
resulting from gravitational and dynamic loads, in an arbitrary direction ;
(see figure 4.1)*

*Note for large tanks an acceleration ellipsoid, taking account of transverse
vertical and longitudinal accelerations should be used.

Z

=largest liquid height (m) above the point where the pressure is to be
determined measured from the tank shell in the b direction (see figure 4.2).
page 32

Tank domes considered to be part of the accepted total tank volume shall
be taken into account when determining Z

unless the total volume of tank

domes V
d
does not exceed the following value:

V
d
=V
t

100

where:
Vt =tank volume without any domes
FL =filling limit according to chapter 15
= maximum liquefied gas fuel density (kg/m3) at the design
temperature.

The direction that gives the maximum value (Pgd)max of Pgd shall be
considered. Where acceleration components in three directions need to be
considered, an ellipsoid shall be used instead of the ellipse in figure 6.4.1.
The above formula applies only to full tanks.

6.4.9.3.3.2 External pressure

6.4.9.3.3.2.1 External design pressure loads shall be based on the difference between the
minimum internal pressure and the maximum external pressure to which any portion of the
tank may be simultaneously subjected.

6.4.9.3.3.3 Thermally induced loads

6.4.9.3.3.3.1 Transient thermally induced loads during cooling down periods shall be
considered for tanks intended for liquefied gas fuel temperatures below minus 55C.

6.4.9.3.3.3.2 Stationary thermally induced loads shall be considered for liquefied gas fuel
containment systems where the design supporting arrangements or attachments and
operating temperature may give rise to significant thermal stresses. See 6.2.

6.4.9.3.3.4 Vibration

6.4.9.3.3.4.1 The potentially damaging effects of vibration on the liquefied gas fuel
containment system shall be considered.

6.4.9.3.3.5 Interaction loads

6.4.9.3.3.5.1 The static component of loads resulting from interaction between liquefied gas
fuel containment system and the hull structure, as well as loads from associated structure
and equipment, shall be considered.

6.4.9.3.3.6 Loads associated with construction and installation

6.4.9.3.3.6.1 Loads or conditions associated with construction and installation shall be
considered, e.g. lifting.

6.4.9.3.3.7 Test loads

6.4.9.3.3.7.1 Account shall be taken of the loads corresponding to the testing of the
liquefied gas fuel containment system referred to in 6.4.20 to 6.4.23.

page 33

6.4.9.3.3.8 Static heel loads

6.4.9.3.3.8.1 Loads corresponding to the most unfavourable static heel angle within the
range 0 to 30shall be considered.

6.4.9.3.3.9 Other loads

6.4.9.3.3.9.1 Any other loads not specifically addressed, which could have an effect on the
liquefied gas fuel containment system, shall be taken into account.

6.4.9.4 Environmental loads

6.4.9.4.1 Environmental loads are defined as those loads on the liquefied gas fuel
containment system that are caused by the surrounding environment and that are not
otherwise classified as a permanent, functional or accidental load.
(Note: move to definition?)

6.4.9.4.1.1 Loads due to ship motion

The determination of dynamic loads shall take into account the long-term distribution of ship
motion in irregular seas, which the ship will experience during its operating life. Account may
be taken of the reduction in dynamic loads due to necessary speed reduction and variation of
heading. The ship's motion shall include surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch and yaw. The
accelerations acting on tanks shall be estimated at their centre of gravity and include the
following components:

- vertical acceleration: motion accelerations of heave, pitch and, possibly roll
(normal to the ship base)
- transverse acceleration: motion accelerations of sway, yaw and roll and gravity
component of roll
- longitudinal acceleration: motion accelerations of surge and pitch and gravity
component of pitch.

Methods to predict accelerations due to ship motion shall be proposed and approved by the
Recognized Organization.

[Guidance formulae for acceleration components are given in MSC resolution MSC.[...].[(...)]
"The Use of Limit State Methodologies in the Design of Containment Systems of Novel
Configuration", as may be amended by the Organization."]

Ships for restricted service may be given special consideration.

6.4.9.4.1.2 Dynamic interaction loads

Account shall be taken of the dynamic component of loads resulting from interaction between
liquefied gas fuel containment systems and the hull structure, including loads from
associated structures and equipment.

6.4.9.4.1.3 Sloshing loads

The sloshing loads on a liquefied gas fuel containment system and internal components shall
be evaluated by means of special tests and calculations covering the full range of intended
filling levels.

page 34

6.4.9.4.1.4 Snow and ice loads

Snow and icing shall be considered, if relevant.

6.4.9.4.1.5 Loads due to navigation in ice

Loads due to navigation in ice shall be considered for vessels intended for such service.

6.4.9.4.1.6 Green sea loading

Account shall be taken to loads due to water on deck.

6.4.9.4.1.7 Wind loads

Account shall be taken to wind generated loads as relevant.

6.4.9.5 Accidental loads

Accidental loads are defined as loads that are imposed on a liquefied gas fuel containment
system and it's supporting arrangements under abnormal and unplanned conditions.

6.4.9.5.1 Collision

The collision load shall be determined based on the fuel containment system under fully
loaded condition.

Ship length (L) Design acceleration, a
L>100 m 0,5 g
60 <L <=100 m a =2-[(3/80)(L-60)]
L<60 m 2g


Special consideration should be done for ships with Froude number (Fn) >0,4.

6.4.9.5.2 Loads due to flooding on ship

For independent tanks and membrane tanks, loads caused by the buoyancy of a fully
submerged empty tank or flooded compartment up to main deck, whichever is worst, shall be
considered in the design of the fuel containment system, anti-flotation chocks and the
supporting hull structure.

6.4.10 Structural Integrity

6.4.10.1 General

6.4.10.1.1 The structural design shall ensure that tanks have an adequate capacity to
sustain all relevant loads with an adequate margin of safety. This shall take into account the
possibility of; plastic deformation, buckling, fatigue and loss of liquid and gas tightness.

6.4.10.1.2 The structural integrity of liquefied gas fuel containment systems can be
demonstrated by compliance with 6.4.15.1 to 6.4.15.4, as appropriate for the liquefied gas
fuel containment system type.

page 35

6.4.10.1.3 For other liquefied gas fuel containment system types, that are of novel design or
differ significantly from those covered by 6.4.15.1 to 6.4.15.4, an alternative design
methodology such as the Load Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) can be used to ensure that
the overall level of safety provided for in this chapter is maintained.

6.4.11 Structural analysis

6.4.11.1 Analysis

6.4.11.1.1 The design analyses shall be based on accepted principles of statics, dynamics
and strength of materials.

6.4.11.1.2 Simplified methods or simplified analyses may be used to calculate the load
effects, provided that they are conservative. Model tests may be used in combination with, or
instead of, theoretical calculations. In cases where theoretical methods are inadequate,
model or full scale tests may be required.

6.4.11.1.3 When determining responses to dynamic loads, the dynamic effect shall be taken
into account where it may affect structural integrity.

6.4.11.2 Load scenarios

6.4.11.2.1 For each location or part of the liquefied gas fuel containment system to be
considered and for each possible mode of failure to be analysed, all relevant combinations of
loads that may act simultaneously shall be considered.

6.4.11.2.2 The most unfavourable scenarios for all relevant phases during construction,
handling, testing and in service and conditions shall be considered.

6.4.11.2.3 When the static and dynamic stresses are calculated separately and unless other
methods of calculation are justified, the total stresses shall be calculated according to:



each shall be determined separately from acceleration components and hull strain
components due to deflection and torsion.

6.4.12 Design conditions
page 36


All relevant failure modes shall be considered in the design for all relevant load scenarios
and design conditions. The design conditions are given in the earlier part of this chapter, and
the load scenarios are covered by 6.4.16.2.

6.4.12.1 Ultimate design condition

6.4.12.1.1 Structural capacity may be determined by testing, or by analysis, taking into
account both the elastic and plastic material properties, by simplified linear elastic analysis or
by Code provisions:

.1 Plastic deformation and buckling shall be considered.

.2 Analysis shall be based on characteristic load values as follows:

Permanent Loads Expected Values
Functional Loads Specified Values
Environmental Loads For wave loads; most probable largest load encountered
during 108 wave encounters.

.3 For the purpose of ultimate strength assessment the following material
parameters apply:

.1 Re =specified minimum yield stress at room temperature (N/mm2).

If the stress strain curve does not show a defined yield stress, the 0.2%
proof stress applies.

Rm =specified minimum tensile strength at room temperature (N/mm2).

For welded connections where under-matched welds, i.e. where the weld metal has
lower tensile strength than the parent metal, are unavoidable, such as in some
aluminium alloys, the respective Re and Rm of the welds, after any applied heat
treatment, shall be used. In such cases the transverse weld tensile strength shall not
be less than the actual yield strength of the parent metal. If this cannot be achieved,
welded structures made from such materials shall not be incorporated in liquefied
gas fuel containment systems.

.2 The above properties shall correspond to the minimum specified
mechanical properties of the material, including the weld metal in
the as fabricated condition. Subject to special consideration by the
Recognized Organization, account may be taken of the enhanced
yield stress and tensile strength at low temperature. The
temperature on which the material properties are based shall be
shown on the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of
Liquefied Gases for Fuel provided for in 1.5.

.4 The equivalent stress
c
(von Mises, Huber) shall be determined by:

page 37



.5 Allowable stresses for materials other than those covered by chapter 6.3
shall be subject to approval by the Recognized Organization in each case.

.6 Stresses may be further limited by fatigue analysis, crack propagation
analysis and buckling criteria.

6.4.12.2 Fatigue Design Condition

.1 The fatigue design condition is the design condition with respect to
accumulated cyclic loading.

.2 Where a fatigue analysis is required the cumulative effect of the fatigue
load shall comply with:

The fatigue damage shall be based on the design life of the tank but not
less than 108 wave encounters.

.3 Where required, the liquefied gas fuel containment system shall be subject
to fatigue analysis, considering all fatigue loads and their appropriate
combinations for the expected life of the liquefied gas fuel containment
system. Consideration shall be given to various filling conditions.

.4 Design S-N curves used in the analysis shall be applicable to the materials
and weldments, construction details, fabrication procedures and applicable
state of the stress envisioned.

The S-N curves shall be based on a 97.6% probability of survival
corresponding to the mean-minus- two-standard-deviation curves of
page 38

relevant experimental data up to final failure. Use of S-N curves derived in
a different way requires adjustments to the acceptable Cw values specified
in 6.4.12.2.7 to 6.4.12.2.9.

.5 Analysis shall be based on characteristic load values as follows:

Permanent Loads Expected Values
Functional Loads Specified Values or specified history
Environmental Loads Expected Load History, but not less than 108
cycles

If simplified dynamic loading spectra are used for the estimation of the fatigue life,
those shall be specially considered by the Recognized Organization.

.6 Where the size of the secondary barrier is reduced, as is provided for
in 6.4.3, fracture mechanics analyses of fatigue crack growth shall be
carried out to determine:

- Crack propagation paths in the structure, where necessitated by
6.4.12.2.7 to 6.4.12.2.9, as applicable
- Crack growth rate
- The time required for a crack to propagate to cause a leakage from the
tank
- The size and shape of through thickness cracks
- The time required for detectable cracks to reach a critical state.

The fracture mechanics are in general based on crack growth data taken as
a mean value plus two standard deviations of the test data.

In analysing crack propagation the largest initial crack not detectable by the
inspection method applied shall be assumed, taking into account the
allowable non destructive testing and visual inspection criterion as
applicable.

Crack propagation analysis specified in 6.4.12.2.7 the simplified load
distribution and sequence over a period of 15 days may be used. Such
distributions may be obtained as indicated in Figure 6.3 at the end of this
chapter. Load distribution and sequence for longer periods, such as in
6.4.12.2.8 and 6.4.12.2.9 shall be approved by the Recognized
Organization.

The arrangements shall comply with 6.4.12.2.7 to 6.4.12.2.9 as applicable:

.7 For failures that can be reliably detected by means of leakage detection:

Cw shall be less than or equal to 0.5. Predicted remaining failure
development time, from the point of detection of leakage till reaching a
critical state, shall not be less than 15 days unless different requirements
apply for ships engaged in particular voyages.

.8 For failures that cannot be detected by leakage but that can be reliably
detected at the time of in-service inspections:

Cw shall be less than or equal to 0.5.

page 39

Predicted remaining failure development time, from the largest crack not
detectable by in- service inspection methods until reaching a critical state,
shall not be less than three (3) times the inspection interval.

.9 In particular locations of the tank where effective defect or crack
development detection cannot be assured, the following, more stringent,
fatigue acceptance criteria should be applied as a minimum;

Cw shall be less than or equal to 0.1.

Predicted failure development time, from the assumed initial defect until
reaching a critical state, shall not be less than three (3) times the lifetime of
the tank.

6.4.12.3 Accidental design condition

6.4.12.3.1 The accidental design condition is a design condition for accidental loads with
extremely low probability of occurrence.
(Note: Move to definitions?)

6.4.12.3.2 Analysis shall be based on the characteristic values as follows:

Permanent Loads Expected Values
Functional Loads Specified Values
Environmental Loads Specified Values
Accidental Loads Specified Values or Expected Values

Loads mentioned in 6.4.9.3.3.8 and 6.4.9.5 need not be combined with each other or with
wave induced loads.

6.4.13 Materials and Construction

6.4.13.1 Materials

To ensure that the liquefied gas fuel containment system, primary and secondary barriers,
the thermal insulation, adjacent ship structure and other materials in the liquefied gas fuel
containment system are constructed from materials of suitable properties for the conditions
they will experience, both in normal service and in the event of failure of the primary barrier
where applicable.
(Note: Consider the wording.)

6.4.13.1.1 Materials forming ship structure

6.4.13.1.1 To determine the grade of plate and sections used in the hull structure, a
temperature calculation shall be performed for all tank types when the liquefied gas fuel
temperature is below minus 10C. The following assumptions shall be made in this
calculation:

.1 The primary barrier of all tanks shall be assumed to be at the liquefied gas
fuel temperature.

.2 In addition to item 1, where a complete or partial secondary barrier is
required it shall be assumed to be at the liquefied gas fuel temperature at
atmospheric pressure for any one tank only.

page 40

.3 For worldwide service, ambient temperatures shall be taken as 5C for air
and 0C for seawater. Higher values may be accepted for ships operating
in restricted areas and conversely, lower values may be imposed by the
Administration for ships trading to areas where lower temperatures are
expected during the winter months.

.4 Still air and sea water conditions shall be assumed, i.e. no adjustment for
forced convection.

.5 Degradation of the thermal insulation properties over the life of the ship due
to factors such as thermal and mechanical ageing, compaction, ship
motions and tank vibrations as defined in 6.4.18.3.6 and 6.4.18.3.7 shall be
assumed.

.6 The cooling effect of the rising boil-off vapour from the leaked liquefied gas
fuel shall be taken into account where applicable.

.7 No credit shall be given for any means of heating, except as described
in 6.4.13.1.1.4.

.8 For members connecting inner and outer hulls, the mean temperature may
be taken for determining the steel grade.

The ambient temperatures used in the design, described in 6.4.18.1.1, shall be shown on the
International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases for Fuel.

6.4.13.1.1.2 The materials of all hull structures for which the calculated temperature in the
design condition is below 0C, due to the influence of liquefied gas fuel temperature and that
do not form the secondary barrier, shall also be in accordance with table 5.5. This includes
hull structure supporting the liquefied gas fuel tanks, inner bottom plating, longitudinal
bulkhead plating, transverse bulkhead plating, floors, webs, stringers and all attached
stiffening members.

6.4.13.1.1.3 The hull material forming the secondary barrier shall be in accordance with
table 7.2. Where the secondary barrier is formed by the deck or side shell plating, the
material grade required by table 7.2 shall be carried into the adjacent deck or side shell
plating, where applicable, to a suitable extent.

6.4.13.1.1.4 Means of heating structural materials may be used to ensure that the material
temperature does not fall below the minimum allowed for the grade of material specified in
table 7.5. In the calculations required in 6.4.13.1.1, credit for such heating may be taken in
accordance with the following principles:

.1 for any transverse hull structure;

.2 for longitudinal hull structure referred to in 6.13.1.1.2
and 6.4.13.1.1.3 where colder ambient temperatures are specified,
provided the material remains suitable for the ambient temperature
conditions of plus 5C for air and 0C for seawater with no credit
taken in the calculations for heating; and

.3 as an alternative to 6.13.1.1.4.2, for longitudinal bulkhead between
liquid gas fuel tanks, credit may be taken for heating provided the
material remain suitable for a minimum design temperature of minus
30C, or a temperature 30C lower than that determined
page 41

by 6.4.13.1.1 with the heating considered, whichever is less. In this
case, the ship's longitudinal strength shall comply with SOLAS
regulation II-1/3-1 for both when those bulkhead(s) are considered
effective and not.

6.4.13.1.1.5 The means of heating referred to in 6.4.13.1.1.4 shall comply with the
following requirements:

.1 the heating system shall be arranged so that, in the event of failure
in any part of the system, standby heating can be maintained
equal to no less than 100% of the theoretical heat requirement;

.2 the heating system shall be considered as an essential auxiliary.
All electrical components of at least one of the systems provided in
accordance with 6.4.13.1.1.4.1 shall be supplied from the
emergency source of electrical power; and

.3 the design and construction of the heating system shall be
included in the approval of the containment system by the
Administration or recognized organization acting on its behalf.

6.4.13.2 Materials of primary and secondary barriers

6.4.13.2.1 Metallic materials used in the construction of primary and secondary barriers not
forming the hull, shall be suitable for the design loads that they may be subjected to, and be
in accordance with table 7.1, 7.2 or 7.3, 7.5

6.4.13.2.2 Materials, either non-metallic or metallic but not covered by tables 7.1, 7.2
and 7.3, used in the primary and secondary barriers may be approved by the Recognized
Organization considering the design loads that they may be subjected to, their properties and
their intended use.

6.4.13.2.3 Where non-metallic materials
9
, including composites, are used for or
incorporated in the primary or secondary barriers, they shall be tested for the following
properties, as applicable, to ensure that they are adequate for the intended service:

.1 compatibility with the liquefied gas fuels
.2 ageing
.3 mechanical properties
.4 thermal expansion and contraction
.5 abrasion
.6 cohesion
.7 resistance to vibrations
.8 resistance to fire and flame spread
.9 resistance to fatigue failure and crack propagation.

6.4.13.2.4 The above properties, where applicable, shall be tested for the range between
the expected maximum temperature in service and 5C below the minimum design
temperature, but not lower than minus196C

6.4.13.2.5 Where non-metallic materials, including composites, are used for the primary and
secondary barriers, the joining processes shall also be tested as described above.


9
Ref. section 7.4.16
page 42

6.4.4.13.2.6 Consideration may be given to the use of materials in the primary and
secondary barrier, which are not resistant to fire and flame spread, provided they are
protected by a suitable system such as a permanent inert gas environment, or are provided
with a fire retardant barrier.

6.4.13.3 Thermal insulation and other materials used in liquefied gas fuel containment
systems

6.4.13.3.1 Load-bearing thermal insulation and other materials used in liquefied gas fuel
containment systems shall be suitable for the design loads.

6.413.3.2 Thermal insulation and other materials used in liquefied gas fuel containment
systems shall have the following properties, as applicable, to ensure that they are adequate
for the intended service:

compatibility with the liquefied gas fuels
solubility in the liquefied gas fuel
absorption of the liquefied gas fuel
shrinkage
ageing
closed cell content
density
mechanical properties, to the extent that they are subjected to liquefied gas fuel
and other loading effects, thermal expansion and contraction
abrasion
cohesion
thermal conductivity
resistance to vibrations
resistance to fire and flame spread
resistance to fatigue failure and crack propagation

6.4.13.3.3 The above properties, where applicable, shall be tested for the range between
the expected maximum temperature in service and 5C below the minimum design
temperature, but not lower than minus 196C.

6.4.13.3.4 Due to location or environmental conditions, thermal insulation materials shall
have suitable properties of resistance to fire and flame spread and shall be adequately
protected against penetration of water vapour and mechanical damage. Where the thermal
insulation is located on or above the exposed deck, and in way of tank cover penetrations, it
is to have suitable fire resistance properties in accordance with a recognized standard or be
covered with a material having low flame spread characteristics and forming an efficient
approved vapour seal.

6.4.13.3.5 Thermal insulation that does not meet recognized standards for fire resistance
may be used in hold spaces that are not kept permanently inerted, provided its surfaces are
covered with material with low flame spread characteristics and that forms an efficient
approved vapour seal.

6.4.13.3.6 Testing for thermal conductivity of thermal insulation shall be carried out on
suitably aged samples.

6.4.13.3.7 Where powder or granulated thermal insulation is used, measures shall be taken
to reduce compaction in service and to maintain the required thermal conductivity and also
prevent any undue increase of pressure on the liquefied gas fuel containment system.
page 43


6.4.14 Construction processes

To define suitable construction processes and test procedures in order to ensure as far as
reasonably practical that the liquefied gas fuel containment system will perform satisfactorily
in service in accordance with the assumptions made at the design stage.
(Note: Consider the wording.)

6.4.14.1 Weld joint design

6.4.14.1.1 All welded joints of the shells of independent tanks shall be of the in-plane butt
weld full penetration type. For dome-to-shell connections only, tee welds of the full
penetration type may be used depending on the results of the tests carried out at the
approval of the welding procedure. Except for small penetrations on domes, nozzle welds are
also to be designed with full penetration.

6.4.14.1.2 Welding joint details for Type C independent tanks, and for the liquid-tight
primary barriers of Type B independent tanks primarily constructed of curved surfaces, shall
be as follows:

.1 All longitudinal and circumferential joints shall be of butt welded, full
penetration, double vee or single vee type. Full penetration butt welds shall
be obtained by double welding or by the use of backing rings. If used,
backing rings shall be removed except from very small process pressure
vessels. Other edge preparations may be permitted, depending on the
results of the tests carried out at the approval of the welding procedure.

.2 The bevel preparation of the joints between the tank body and domes and
between domes and relevant fittings shall be designed according to a
standard acceptable to the Recognized Organization. All welds connecting
nozzles, domes or other penetrations of the vessel and all welds
connecting flanges to the vessel or nozzles shall be full penetration welds.
6.4.14.1.3 Where applicable, all the construction processes and testing, except that
specified in 6.4.14.3 shall be done in accordance with the applicable provisions of
chapter 17.

6.4.14.2 Design for gluing and other joining processes

6.4.14.2.1 The design of the joint to be glued (or joined by some other process except
welding) shall take account of the strength characteristics of the joining process.

6.4.15 Tank Types

6.4.15.1 Type A Independent Tanks

6.4.15.1.1 Design basis

6.4.15.1.1.1 Type A independent tanks are tanks primarily designed using classical ship-
structural analysis procedures in accordance with the requirements of a Recognized
Organization. Where such tanks are primarily constructed of plane surfaces, the design
vapour pressure P0 shall be less than 0.07 MPa.

6.4.15.1.1.2 If the liquefied gas fuel temperature at atmospheric pressure is below -10C, a
complete secondary barrier is required as defined in 6.4.3. The secondary barrier shall be
designed in accordance with 6.4.4
page 44


6.4.15.1.2 Structural analysis

6.4.15.1.2.1 A structural analysis shall be performed taking into account the internal
pressure as indicated in 6.4.9.3.3.1, and the interaction loads with the supporting and keying
system as well as a reasonable part of the ship's hull.

6.4.15.1.2.2 For parts, such as structure in way of supports, not otherwise covered by the
requirements of this Code, stresses shall be determined by direct calculations, taking into
account the loads referred to in 6.4.9.2 to 6.4.9.5 as far as applicable, and the ship deflection
in way of supports.

6.4.15.1.2.3 The tanks with supports shall be designed for the accidental loads specified
in 7.4.14. These loads need not be combined with each other or with environmental loads.

6.4.15.1.2.4 For vacuum insulated tanks special attention shall be made to the strength of
the support design and special considerations shall be made to the support design between
inner and outer shell.

6.4.15.1.3 Ultimate design condition

6.4.15.1.3.1 For tanks primarily constructed of plane surfaces, the nominal membrane
stresses for primary and secondary members (stiffeners, web frames, stringers, girders),
when calculated by classical analysis procedures, shall not exceed the lower of Rm/2.66 or
Re/1.33 for nickel steels, carbon-manganese steels, austenitic steels and aluminium alloys,
where Rm and Re are defined in 6.4.12.1.1.3. However, if detailed calculations are carried out
for the primary members, the equivalent stress c, as defined in 6.4.12.1.1.4, may be
increased over that indicated above to a stress acceptable to the Recognized Organization.
Calculations shall take into account the effects of bending, shear, axial and torsional
deformation as well as the hull/liquefied gas fuel tank interaction forces due to the deflection
of the hull structure and liquefied gas fuel tank bottoms.

6.4.15.1.3.2 Tank boundary scantlings shall meet at least the requirements of a Recognized
Organization for deep tanks taking into account the internal pressure as indicated
in 7.4.9.3.3.1 and any corrosion allowance required by 6.4.1.5.

6.4.15.1.3.3 The liquefied gas fuel tank structure shall be reviewed against potential
buckling.

6.4.15.1.4 Accidental design condition

6.4.15.1.4.1 The tanks and the tank supports shall be designed for the accidental loads and
design conditions specified in 6.4.1.4.3 and 6.4.14, as relevant.

6.4.15.1.4.2 When subjected to the accidental loads specified in 6.4.9.5, the stress shall
comply with the acceptance criteria specified in 6.4.15.1.3, modified as appropriate taking
into account their lower probability of occurrence.

6.4.15.2 Type B Independent Tanks

6.4.15.2.1 Design basis

6.4.15.2.1.1 Type B independent tanks are tanks designed using model tests, refined
analytical tools and analysis methods to determine stress levels, fatigue life and crack
page 45

propagation characteristics. Where such tanks are primarily constructed of plane surfaces
(prismatic tanks) the design vapour pressure Po shall be less than 0.07 MPa.

6.4.15.2.1.2 If the liquefied gas fuel temperature at atmospheric pressure is below minus
10C, a partial secondary barrier with a protection system is required as defined in 6.4.2. The
small leak protection system shall be designed according to 6.4.5.

6.4.15.2.2 Structural analysis

6.4.15.2.2.1 The effects of all dynamic and static loads shall be used to determine the
suitability of the structure with respect to:

Plastic deformation
buckling
fatigue failure
crack propagation.

Finite element analysis or similar methods and fracture mechanics analysis or an equivalent
approach, shall be carried out.

6.4.15.2.2.2 A three-dimensional analysis shall be carried out to evaluate the stress levels,
including interaction with the ship's hull. The model for this analysis shall include the liquefied
gas fuel tank with its supporting and keying system, as well as a reasonable part of the hull.

6.4.15.2.2.3 A complete analysis of the particular ship accelerations and motions in irregular
waves, and of the response of the ship and its liquefied gas fuel tanks to these forces and
motions, shall be performed unless the data is available from similar ships.

6.4.15.2.3 Ultimate design condition

6.4.15.2.3.1 Plastic deformation
For Type B independent tanks, primarily constructed of bodies of revolution, the allowable
stresses shall not exceed:

with Rm and Re as defined in 6.4.17.1.3. With regard to the stresses m, L and b see also the
definition of stress categories in MSC resolution MSC.[...].[(...)] "The Use of Limit State
Methodologies in the Design of Containment Systems of Novel Configuration", as may be
page 46

amended by the Organisation." The values A and B, shall be shown on the International
Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases for Fuel and shall have at least the
following minimum values:


The above figures may be altered considering the design condition considered in acceptance
with the Administration. For Type B independent tanks, primarily constructed of plane
surfaces, the allowable membrane equivalent stresses applied for finite element analysis
shall not exceed:

Nickel steels and carbon-manganese steels the lesser of:
Rm / 2 or Re /1.2

Austenitic steels the lesser of:
Rm/2.5 or Re/1.2

Aluminium alloys the lesser of:
Rm/2.5 or Re /1.2

The above figures may be amended considering the locality of the stress, stress analysis
methods and design condition considered in acceptance with the Administration.

The thickness of the skin plate and the size of the stiffener shall not be less than those
required for Type A independent tanks.

6.4.15.2.3.2 Buckling

6.4.15.2.3.2.1 Buckling strength analyses of liquefied gas fuel tanks subject to external
pressure and other loads causing compressive stresses shall be carried out in accordance
with recognized standards. The method should adequately account for the difference in
theoretical and actual buckling stress as a result of plate edge misalignment, lack of
straightness or flatness, ovality and deviation from true circular form over a specified arc or
chord length, as applicable.

6.4.15.2.3.3 Fatigue design condition

6.4.15.2.3.3.1 Fatigue and crack propagation assessment shall be performed in accordance
with the provisions of 6.4.12.2. The acceptance criteria shall comply with 6.4.12.2.7,
6.4.12.2.8 or 6.4.12.2.9, depending on the detectability of the defect.

6.4.15.2.3.3.2 Fatigue analysis shall consider construction tolerances

6.4.15.2.3.3.3 Where deemed necessary by the Administration, model tests may be
required to determine stress concentration factors and fatigue life of structural elements.

6.4.15.2.3.4 Accidental design condition

page 47

6.4.15.2.3.4.1 The tanks and the tank supports shall be designed for the accidental loads
and design conditions specified in 6.4.1.4.3 and 6.4.9.5, as relevant.

6.4.15.2.3.4.2 When subjected to the accidental loads specified in 6.4.9.5, the stress shall
comply with the acceptance criteria specified in 6.4.15.2.3.2, modified as appropriate, taking
into account their lower probability of occurrence.

6.4.15.2.3.5 Marking

6.4.15.2.3.5.1 Any marking of the pressure vessel shall be achieved by a method that does
not cause unacceptable local stress raisers.

6.4.15.3 Type C Independent Tanks

6.4.15.3.1 Design basis

6.4.15.3.1.1 The design basis for Type C independent tanks is based on pressure vessel
criteria modified to include fracture mechanics and crack propagation criteria. The minimum
design pressure defined in 6.4.15.3.1.2 is intended to ensure that the dynamic stress is
sufficiently low so that an initial surface flaw will not propagate more than half the thickness
of the shell during the lifetime of the tank.

6.4.15.3.1.2 The design vapour pressure shall not be less than:


6.4.15.3.2 Shell thickness

6.4.15.3.2.1

page 48

.1 For pressure vessels, the thickness calculated according to 6.4.22.2.4 shall
be considered as a minimum thickness after forming, without any negative
tolerance.

.2 For pressure vessels, the minimum thickness of shell and heads including
corrosion allowance, after forming, shall not be less than 5 mm for carbon
manganese steels and nickel steels, 3 mm for austenitic steels or 7 mm for
aluminium alloys.

.3 The welded joint efficiency factor to be used in the calculation according
to 6.4.22.2.4 shall be 0.95 when the inspection and the non-destructive
testing referred to in 6.5.6.5 are carried out. This figure may be increased
up to 1.0 when account is taken of other considerations, such as the
material used, type of joints, welding procedure and type of loading. For
process pressure vessels the Recognized Organization may accept partial
non-destructive examinations, but not less than those of 6.5.6.5, depending
on such factors as the material used, the design temperature, the nil
ductility transition temperature of the material as fabricated and the type of
joint and welding procedure, but in this case an efficiency factor of not more
than 0.85 should be adopted. For special materials the above-mentioned
factors shall be reduced, depending on the specified mechanical properties
of the welded joint.

6.4.15.3.2.2 The design liquid pressure defined in 6.4.9.3.3.1 shall be taken into account in
the internal pressure calculations.

6.4.15.3.2.3 The design external pressure Pe, used for verifying the buckling of the
pressure vessels, shall not be less than that given by:

Pe =P1+P2+P3+P4 MPa

where:

P1 = setting value of vacuum relief valves. For vessels not fitted with vacuum relief valves P1
shall be specially considered, but should not in general be taken as less
than 0.025 MPa

P2 = the set pressure of the pressure relief valves (PRVs)for completely closed spaces
containing pressure vessels or parts of pressure vessels; elsewhere P2 =0.

P3 = compressive actions in or on the shell due to the weight and contraction of thermal
insulation, weight of shell including corrosion allowance and other miscellaneous
external pressure loads to which the pressure vessel may be subjected. These include,
but are not limited to, weight of domes, weight of towers and piping, effect of product in
the partially filled condition, accelerations and hull deflection. In addition, the local
effect of external or internal pressures or both shall be taken into account.

P4 = external pressure due to head of water for pressure vessels or part of pressure vessels
on exposed decks; elsewhere P4 =0.

6.4.15.3.2.4 Scantlings based on internal pressure shall be calculated as follows:

The thickness and form of pressure-containing parts of pressure vessels, under internal
pressure, as defined in 6.4.12.1, including flanges, shall be determined. These calculations
shall in all cases be based on accepted pressure vessel design theory. Openings in
page 49

pressure-containing parts of pressure vessels shall be reinforced in accordance with a
recognized standard acceptable to the Recognized Organization.

6.4.15.3.2.5 Stress analysis in respect of static and dynamic loads shall be performed as
follows:

.1 Pressure vessel scantlings shall be determined in accordance with
6.4.22.2.4.

.2 Calculations of the loads and stresses in way of the supports and the shell
attachment of the support shall be made. Loads referred to in 6.4.11
6.4.14 shall be used, as applicable. Stresses in way of the supports shall
be to a recognized standard acceptable to the Recognized Organization. In
special cases a fatigue analysis may be required by the Recognized
Organization.

.3 If required by the Recognized Organization, secondary stresses and
thermal stresses shall be specially considered.

6.4.15.3.3 Ultimate design condition

6.4.15.3.3.1 Plastic deformation

For Type C independent tanks, the allowable stresses shall not exceed:


with Rm and Re as defined in 6.4.12.1.1.3. With regard to the stresses m, L and b see also
the definition of stress categories in 6.4.16.5. The values A and B shall be shown on the
International [Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases for fuel] and shall
have at least the following minimum values:


6.4.15.3.3.2 Buckling criteria shall be as follows:
page 50


The thickness and form of pressure vessels subject to external pressure and other loads
causing compressive stresses shall be based on calculations using accepted pressure
vessel buckling theory and shall adequately account for the difference in theoretical and
actual buckling stress as a result of plate edge misalignment, ovality and deviation from true
circular form over a specified arc or chord length.

6.4.15.3.4 Fatigue design condition

6.4.15.3.4.1 For Type C independent tanks where the liquefied gas fuel at atmospheric
pressure is below minus 55C, the Recognized Organization may require additional
verification to check their compliance with 6.4.22.1.1, regarding static and dynamic stress
depending on the tank size, the configuration of the tank and arrangement of its supports and
attachments.

6.4.15.3.4.2 For vacuum insulated tanks special attention shall be made to the fatigue
strength of the support design and special considerations shall also be made to the limited
inspection possibilities between the inside and outer shell.

6.4.15.3.5 Accidental design condition

6.4.15.3.5.1 The tanks and the tank supports shall be designed for the accidental loads
and design conditions specified in 6.4.1.4.3 and 6.4.9.5, as relevant.

6.4.15.3.5.2 When subjected to the accidental loads specified in 6.4.9.5, the stress shall
comply with the acceptance criteria specified in 6.4.15.3.3.1, modified as appropriate taking
into account their lower probability of occurrence.

6.4.15.3.6 Marking

The required marking of the pressure vessel shall be achieved by a method that does not
cause unacceptable local stress raisers.

6.4.15.4 Membrane Tanks

6.4.15.4.1 Design basis

6.4.15.4.1.1 The design basis for membrane containment systems is that thermal and
other expansion or contraction is compensated for without undue risk of losing the tightness
of the membrane.

6.4.15.4.1.2 A systematic approach, based on analysis and testing, shall be used to
demonstrate that the system will provide its intended function in consideration of the
identified in service events as specified in 6.4.15.4.2.1.

6.4.15.4.1.3 If the liquefied gas fuel temperature at atmospheric pressure is below -10C a
complete secondary barrier is required as defined in 6.4.3.1. The secondary barrier shall be
designed according to 6.4.4.

6.4.15.4.1.4 The design vapour pressure Po shall not normally exceed 0.025 MPa. If the
hull scantlings are increased accordingly and consideration is given, where appropriate, to
the strength of the supporting thermal insulation, Po may be increased to a higher value but
less than 0.070 MPa.

page 51

6.4.15.4.1.5 The definition of membrane tanks does not exclude designs such as those in
which non-metallic membranes are used or where membranes are included or incorporated
into the thermal insulation.

6.4.15.4.1.6 The thickness of the membranes shall normally not exceed 10 mm.

6.4.14.4.1.5.bis: The circulation of inert gas throughout the primary and the secondary
insulation spaces, in accordance with 7.11.1 shall be sufficient to allow for effective means of
gas detection.

6.4.15.4.2 Design considerations

6.4.15.4.2.1 Potential incidents that could lead to loss of fluid tightness over the life of the
membranes shall be evaluated. These include, but are not limited to:

1) Ultimate design events:

- Tensile failure of membranes
- Compressive collapse of thermal insulation
- Thermal ageing
- Loss of attachment between thermal insulation and hull structure
- Loss of attachment of membranes to thermal insulation system
- Structural integrity of internal structures and their supports
- Failure of the supporting hull structure

2) Fatigue design events:

- Fatigue of membranes including joints and attachments to hull structure
- Fatigue cracking of thermal insulation
- Fatigue of internal structures and their supports
- Fatigue cracking of inner hull leading to ballast water ingress

3) Accident design events:

- Accidental mechanical damage (such as dropped objects inside the tank while
in service)
- Accidental over pressurization of thermal insulation spaces
- Accidental vacuum in the tank
- Water ingress through the inner hull structure

Designs where a single internal event could cause simultaneous or cascading failure of both
membranes are unacceptable.

6.4.15.4.2.2 The necessary physical properties (mechanical, thermal, chemical, etc.) of the
materials used in the construction of the liquefied gas fuel containment system shall be
established during the design development in accordance with 6.4.15.4.1.2.

6.4.15.4.3 Loads, load combinations

Particular consideration shall be paid to the possible loss of tank integrity due to either an
overpressure in the interbarrier space, a possible vacuum in the liquefied gas fuel tank, the
sloshing effects, to hull vibration effects, or any combination of these events.

6.4.15.4.4 Structural analyses

page 52

6.4.15.4.4.1 Structural analyses and/or testing for the purpose of determining the ultimate
strength and fatigue assessments of the liquefied gas fuel containment and associated
structures, e.g. pump and its supporting structure as defined in 6.4.7 shall be performed. The
structural analysis shall provide the data required to assess each failure mode that has been
identified as critical for the liquefied gas fuel containment system.

6.4.15.4.4.2 Structural analyses of the hull shall take into account the internal pressure as
indicated in 6.4.9.3.3.1. Special attention shall be paid to deflections of the hull and their
compatibility with the membrane and associated thermal insulation.

6.4.15.4.4.3 The analyses referred to in 6.4.15.4.4.1 and 6.4.15.4.4.2 shall be based on the
particular motions, accelerations and response of ships and liquefied gas fuel containment
systems.

6.4.15.4.5 Ultimate design condition

6.4.15.4.5.1 The structural resistance of every critical component, sub-system, or
assembly, shall be established, in accordance with 6.4.15.4.1.2, for in-service conditions.

6.4.15.4.5.2 The choice of strength acceptance criteria for the failure modes of the liquefied
gas fuel containment system, its attachments to the hull structure and internal tank
structures, shall reflect the consequences associated with the considered mode of failure.

6.4.15.4.5.3 The inner hull scantlings shall meet the requirements for deep tanks, taking
into account the internal pressure as indicated in 6.4.9.3.3.1 and the specified appropriate
requirements for sloshing load as defined in 6.4.9.4.1.4.

6.4.15.4.6 Fatigue design condition

6.4.15.4.6.1 Fatigue analysis shall be carried out for structures inside the tank, i.e. pump
towers, and for parts of membrane and pump tower attachments, where failure development
cannot be reliably detected by continuous monitoring.

6.4.15.4.6.2 The fatigue calculations shall be carried out in accordance with 6.4.12.2, with
relevant requirements depending on:

The significance of the structural components with respect to structural integrity
Availability for inspection.

6.4.15.4.6.3 For structural elements for which it can be demonstrated by tests and/or
analyses that a crack will not develop to cause simultaneous or cascading failure of both
membranes, Cw shall be less than or equal to 0.5.

6.4.15.4.6.4 Structural elements subject to periodic inspection, and where an unattended
fatigue crack can develop to cause simultaneous or cascading failure of both membranes,
shall satisfy the fatigue and fracture mechanics requirements stated in 6.4.12.2.8.

6.4.15.4.6.5 Structural element not accessible for in-service inspection, and where a
fatigue crack can develop without warning to cause simultaneous or cascading failure of both
membranes, shall satisfy the fatigue and fracture mechanics requirements stated in
6.4.12.2.9.

6.4.15.4.7 Accidental design condition

page 53

6.4.15.4.7.1 The containment system and the supporting hull structure shall be designed
for the accidental loads and design conditions specified in 6.4.1.4.3 and 6.4.9.5. These loads
need not be combined with each other or with environmental loads.

6.4.15.4.7.2 Additional relevant accidental scenarios shall be determined based on a risk
analysis. Particular attention shall be paid to securing devices inside of tanks.

6.4.16 Limit state design for novel concepts

6.4.16.1 Cargo containment systems that are of a novel configuration that cannot be
designed using sections 6.4.14 and 6.4.15.1 to 6.4.15.4 shall be designed using this section,
and section 6.4.1 to 6.4.8 and 6.4.9 of this chapter, and also section 6.4.10.-6.4.15 as
applicable. Cargo containment system design according to this section is to be based on the
principles of limit state design.

6.4.16.2 Limit state design is a systematic approach where each structural element is
evaluated with respect to possible failure modes related to the design conditions identified in
6.x.x. A limit state can be defined as a condition beyond which the structure, or part of a
structure, no longer satisfies the requirements.

For each failure mode, one or more limit states may be relevant. By consideration of all
relevant limit states, the limit load for the structural element is found as the minimum limit
load resulting from all the relevant limit states.

The limit states are divided into the three following categories:

Ultimate Limit States (ULS), which correspond to the maximum load-carrying
capacity or, in some cases, to the maximum applicable strain or deformation;
under intact (undamaged) conditions.

Fatigue Limit States (FLS), which correspond to degradation due to the effect of
time varying (cyclic) loading.

Accident Limit States (ALS), which concern the ability of the structure to resist
accidental situations.

6.4.16.3 The procedure and relevant design parameters of limit state design shall comply
with MSC resolution MSC.[...].[(...)] "The Use of Limit State Methodologies in the Design of
Containment Systems of Novel Configuration", as may be amended by the Organisation."

6.5 [Non permanently fixed] [Portable] tanks [for liquefied gas fuel]

6.5.1 The design of the tank shall comply with the requirements of 6.4.15.3. The tank
support (container frame or truck chassis) shall be designed for the intended purpose.

6.5.2 Portable gas fuel tanks shall be located in dedicated areas fitted with:

mechanical protection of the tanks depending on location and cargo operations
if located on open deck: spill protection and water spray systems for cooling
if located in an enclosed space: the space is to be considered as a tank
connection space

6.5.3 Portable gas fuel tanks shall be secured to the deck while connected to the ship
systems. The arrangement for supporting and fixing the tanks shall be designed for the
page 54

maximum expected static and dynamic inclinations, as well as the maximum expected values
of acceleration, taking into account the ship characteristics and the position of the tanks.

6.5.4 Consideration shall be given to the strength and the effect of the portable fuel tanks
on the ships stability.

6.5.5 Connections to the ship piping systems shall be made by means of approved
flexible hoses or other suitable means designed to provide sufficient flexibility.

6.5.6 Arrangements shall be provided to limit the quantity of fuel spilled in case of
inadvertent disconnection or rupture of the non-permanent connections.

6.5.7 The pressure relief system of portable tanks for liquefied gas shall be connected to a
fixed venting system.

6.5.8 Control and monitoring systems for portable gas fuel tanks shall be integrated in the
ship's gas control and monitoring system. Safety system for portable gas fuel tanks shall be
integrated in the ship's gas safety system (e.g. shut-down systems for tank valves, leak/gas
detection systems).

6.5.9 Safe access to tank connections for the purpose of inspection and maintenance
shall be ensured.

6.5.10 After connection to the ships fuel piping system,

with the exception of the pressure relief system in 6.5.6 each portable tank shall
be capable of being isolated at any time; and
isolation of one tank shall not impair the availability of the remaining portable
tanks; and
the tank shall not exceed its filling limits as given in 6.8.


6.6 Compressed gas containment system

6.6.1 The storage tanks to be used for compressed gas should be certified and approved
by the Administration or its Recognized Organization.

6.6.2 Tanks for compressed gas should be fitted with pressure relief valves with a set
point below the design pressure of the tank and with outlet located as required in 6.7.2.8.

6.6.3 Adequate means shall be provided to depressurize the tank in case of a fire which
can affect the tank.

6.6.4 Storage of compressed gas in enclosed spaces is normally not acceptable, but may
be permitted after special consideration and approval by the Administration provided the
following is fulfilled in addition to 6.3.4 to 6.3.6:

.1 adequate means are provided to depressurize and inert the tank in case of
a fire which can affect the tank;

.2 all surfaces within such enclosed spaces containing the compressed gas
storage are provided with suitable thermal protection against any lost
high-pressure gas and resulting condensation unless the bulkheads are
designed for the lowest temperature that can arise from gas expansion
leakage; and
page 55


.3 a fixed fire-extinguishing system is installed in the enclosed spaces
containing the compressed gas storage. Special consideration should be
given to the extinguishing of jet-fires.


6.7 Pressure relief system

6.7.1 General

6.7.1.1 All fuel storage tanks shall be provided with a pressure relief system appropriate to
the design of the fuel containment system and the fuel being carried. Fuel storage hold
spaces, interbarrier spaces, tank connection spaces and tank cofferdams, which may be
subject to pressures beyond their design capabilities, shall also be provided with a suitable
pressure relief system. Pressure control systems specified in 7.9 shall be independent of the
pressure relief systems.

6.7.1.2 Fuel storage tanks which may be subject to external pressures above their design
pressure shall be fitted with vacuum protection systems.

6.7.2 Pressure relief systems for liquefied gas fuel tanks

6.7.2.1 If fuel release into the vacuum space of a vacuum insulated tank can not be
excluded:

1. the vacuum space shall be protected by a pressure relief device which shall
be connected to a vent system if the tanks are located below deck. On open
deck a direct release into the atmosphere may be accepted by the
Administration for tanks not exceeding the size of a 40 ft container if the
released gas can not enter safe areas.

6.7.2.2 Liquefied gas fuel tanks are to be fitted with a minimum of 2 pressure relief valves
(PRVs) allowing for disconnection of one PRV in case of malfunction or leakage.

6.7.2.3 Interbarrier spaces shall be provided with pressure relief devices.
10
For membrane
systems, the designer shall demonstrate adequate sizing of interbarrier space PRVs.

6.7.2.4 The setting of the PRVs shall not be higher than the vapour pressure that has been
used in the design of the tank. Valves comprising not more than 50% of the total relieving
capacity may be set at a pressure up to 5% above MARVS to allow sequential lifting,
minimizing unnecessary release of vapour.

6.7.2.5 The following temperature requirements apply to PRVs fitted to pressure relief
systems:

.1 PRVs on liquefied gas fuel tanks with a design temperature below 0
o
C shall
be designed and arranged to prevent their becoming inoperative due to ice
formation;

.2 The effects of ice formation due to ambient temperatures shall be
considered in the construction and arrangement of PRVs;


10
IACS Unified Interpretation GC9 titled 'Guidance for sizing pressure relief systems for interbarrier
spaces 1988'.
page 56

.3 PRVs shall be constructed of materials with a melting point above 925C.
Lower melting point materials for internal parts and seals may be accepted
provided that fail-safe operation of the PRV is not compromised; and

.4 Sensing and exhaust lines on pilot operated relief valves are to be of
suitably robust construction to prevent damage.

6.7.2.6 In the event of a failure of a fuel tank tank PRV a safe means of emergency isolation
shall be available.

.1 Procedures are to be provided and included in the operation manual (refer
to chapter 17).

.2 The procedures shall allow only one of the installed PRVs for the liquefied
gas fuel tanks to be isolated, physical interlocks shall be included to this
effect.

.3 Isolation of the PRV shall be carried out under the supervision of the
Master. This action shall be recorded in the ship's log, and at the PRV.

6.7.2.7 Each pressure relief valve installed on a liquefied gas fuel tank shall be connected to
a venting system, which shall be:

.1 so constructed that the discharge will be unimpeded and normally be
directed vertically upwards at the exit;

.2 arranged to minimize the possibility of water or snow entering the vent
system; and

.3 arranged such that the height of vent exits shall normally not be less than
B/3 or 6 m, whichever is the greater, above the weather deck and 6 m
above working areas and walkways. However, vent mast height could be
limited to lower value according to special consideration by the
administration.

6.7.2.8 The outlet from the pressure relief valves shall normally be located at least 10 m
from the nearest:

.1 air intake, air outlet or opening to accommodation, service and control
spaces, or other gas safe spaces; and

.2 exhaust outlet from machinery installations.

6.7.2.9 All other fuel gas vent outlets shall be arranged in accordance with 6.7.2.7
and 6.7.2.8. Means shall be provided to prevent liquid overflow from gas vent outlets, due to
hydrostatic pressure from spaces to which they are connected.

6.7.2.10 In the vent piping system, means for draining liquid from places where it may
accumulate shall be provided. The PRVs and piping shall be arranged so that liquid can,
under no circumstances, accumulate in or near the PRVs.

6.7.2.11 Suitable protection screens of not more than 13 mm square mesh shall be fitted on
vent outlets to prevent the ingress of foreign objects without adversely affecting the flow.

page 57

6.7.2.12 All vent piping shall be designed and arranged not to be damaged by the
temperature variations to which it may be exposed, forces due to flow or the ship's motions.

6.7.2.13 PRVs shall be connected to the highest part of the liquid fuel tank. PRVs shall be
positioned on the liquid fuel tank so that they will remain in the vapour phase at the filling limit
(FL) as defined in 7.5, under conditions of 15 list and 0.015L trim, where L is defined in 2.2.

6.7.3 Sizing of pressure relieving system

6.7.3.1 Sizing of pressure relief valves

6.7.3.1.1 PRVs shall have a combined relieving capacity for each liquefied gas fuel tank to
discharge the greater of the following, with not more than a 20% rise in liquefied gas fuel tank
pressure above the MARVS:

.1 the maximum capacity of the liquefied gas fuel tank inerting system if the
maximum attainable working pressure of the liquefied gas fuel tank inerting
system exceeds the MARVS of the liquefied gas fuel tanks; or

.2 vapours generated under fire exposure computed using the following
formula:

Q =FGA
0.82
(m3/s)

where:

Q = minimum required rate of discharge of air at standard
conditions of 273.15 kelvin (K) and 0.1013 MPa.
F = fire exposure factor for different liquefied gas fuel types:
F = 1.0 for tanks without insulation located on deck;
F = 0.5 for tanks above the deck when insulation is approved
by the Administration. (Approval will be based on the use of a
fireproofing material, the thermal conductance of insulation, and its
stability under fire exposure);
F = 0.5 for uninsulated independent tanks installed in holds;
F = 0.2 for insulated independent tanks in holds (or
uninsulated independent tanks in insulated holds);
F = 0.1 for insulated independent tanks in inerted holds (or
uninsulated independent tanks in inerted, insulated holds);
F = 0.1 for membrane and semi-membrane tanks.

For independent tanks partly protruding through the weather decks, the fire
exposure factor shall be determined on the basis of the surface areas
above and below deck.

G = gas factor
G = 12.4/ LD (ZT/M)
1/2

with:
T = temperature in Kelvin at relieving conditions, i.e. 120
per cent of the pressure at which the pressure relief valve is set;
L = latent heat of the material being vaporized at relieving
conditions, in kJ /kg;
D = a constant based on relation of specific heats k and is
calculated as follows
D = (k(2/(k+1))^((k+1)/(k-1))) ^1/2
page 58

k = ratio of specific heats at relieving conditions, and the
value of which is between 1.0 and 2.2. If k is not known, D =0.606
shall be used.
Z = compressibility factor of the gas at relieving conditions; if
not known, Z =1.0 shall be used.
M = molecular mass of the product.

The gas factor of each liquefied gas fuel to be carried is to be determined
and the highest value shall be used for PRV sizing.

A =external surface area of the tank (m2), as for different tank
types, as shown in figure 7.7.1.

.3 rollover effects caused by mixture of fuels with different compositions and
densities as applicable.

6.7.3.1.2 For vacuum insulated tanks in hold spaces and for tanks in hold spaces
separated from potential fire loads by coffer dams or surrounded by ship spaces with no fire
load the following applies:

If the pressure relief valves have to be sized for fire loads the fire factors according may be
reduced to the following values:

F=0.5 to F=0.25
F=0.2 to F=0.1

The minimum fire factor is F=0.1

6.7.3.1.3 The required mass flow of air at relieving conditions is given by:

Mair =Q *
air
(kg/s)
where:
Density of air (
air
) =1.293 kg/m3 (air at 273.15 K, 0.1013 MPa).

page 59


Figure 6.7.1

page 60

6.7.3.2 Sizing of vent pipe system

6.7.3.2.1 Pressure losses upstream and downstream of the PRVs, shall be taken into
account when determining their size to ensure the flow capacity required by 6.7.3.1.3.

6.7.3.2.2 The pressure losses shall not exceed the values permitted by the manufacturer.
If no data from the manufacturer is available the values given in 6.7.3.2.3 shall be used.

6.7.3.2.3 - spring loaded safety valves without balanced bellows: 3% of MARVS
upstream, 10% of MARVS downstream

- spring loaded safety valves with balanced bellows: 3% of MARVS
upstream, 30% of MARVS downstream

- pilot operated safety valves: 3% upstream if the sensing line is not
located at the top of the tank; 50% downstream.

(Note, see IGC for drafting purposes)

6.7.3.3 Upstream pressure losses

6.7.3.3.1 The pressure drop in the vent line from the tank to the PRV inlet shall not
exceed 3% of the valve set pressure at the calculated flow rate, in accordance with 6.7.3.1.3
at 1.2 MARVS on all vapor flow.

6.7.3.3.2 Pilot-operated PRVs shall be unaffected by inlet pipe pressure losses when the
pilot senses directly from the tank dome.

6.7.3.3.3 Pressure losses in remotely sensed pilot lines should be considered for flowing
type pilots.

6.7.3.4 Downstream pressure losses

6.7.3.4.1 Where common vent headers and vent masts are fitted, calculations are to
include flow from all attached PRVs.

6.7.3.4.2 The built-up back pressure in the vent piping from the PRV outlet to the location
of discharge to the atmosphere, and including any vent pipe inter-connections that join other
tanks, shall not exceed the values listed in 6.7.3.2.2.

6.7.3.4.3 To ensure stable PRV operation, the blow-down shall not be less than the sum of
the inlet pressure loss and 0.02 MARVS at the rated capacity.

6.8 Filling limit for liquefied gas fuel tanks

6.8.1 Storage tanks for liquefied gas shall not be filled to more than 98% full at the
reference temperature, where the reference temperature means the temperature
corresponding to the vapour pressure of the fuel at the set pressure of the pressure relief
valves.

A filling limit curve for actual fuel filling temperatures shall be prepared from the following
formula:

LL = FL
R
/
L


page 61

where:
LL = loading limit, maximum allowable liquid volume relative to the tank volume to
which the tank may be loaded, expressed in per cent;
FL = filling limit expressed in per cent, here 98%;

R
= relative density of fuel at the reference temperature; and

L
= relative density of fuel at the loading temperature.

6.8.2 However, in cases where the tank insulation and tank location make the probability
very small for the tank contents to be heated up due to external fire, special considerations
may be made to allow a higher filling limit than calculated using the reference temperature,
but never above 95%. This will be also be valid in case a second system for pressure
maintenance is installed, refer to 6.9. However, if the pressure can only be maintained/
controlled by fuel consumers, the filling limit as calculated in 6.8.1 should be used.


6.9 Maintaining fuel storage condition

6.9.1 Control of tank pressure and temperature:

6.9.1.1 With the exception of fuel tanks designed to withstand the full gauge vapour
pressure of the fuel under conditions of the upper ambient design temperature, fuel tanks'
pressure and temperature shall be maintained at all times within their design range by means
acceptable to the administration, e.g. by one of the following methods:

.1 reliquefaction of vapours;

.2 thermal oxidation of vapours;

.3 pressure accumulation; and

.4 liquefied gas fuel cooling.

The method chosen shall be capable of maintaining tank pressure below the set pressure of
the tank for a period of 15 days assuming full tank at normal service pressure and the ship in
idle condition, i.e. only power for domestic load is generated.

6.9.1.2 Venting of fuel vapour for control of the tank pressure is not acceptable except in
emergency situations.

6.9.2 Design of Systems

6.9.2.1 For worldwide service, the upper ambient design temperature shall be sea 32
o
C and
air 45
o
C. For service in particularly hot or cold zones, these design temperatures shall be
increased or decreased, as appropriate.

6.9.2.2 The overall capacity of the system shall be such that it can control the pressure
within the design conditions without venting to atmosphere.

6.9.3 Reliquefaction systems

6.9.3.1 The reliquefaction system shall be designed and calculated according to 6.9.3.2.
The system has to be sized in a sufficient way also in case of no or low consumption.

6.9.3.2 The reliquefaction system shall be arranged in one of the following ways:

page 62

.1 a direct system where evaporated fuel is compressed, condensed and
returned to fuel tanks.

.2 an indirect system where fuel or evaporated fuel is cooled or condensed by
refrigerant without being compressed;

.3 a combined system where evaporated fuel is compressed and condensed
in a fuel/refrigerant heat exchanger and returned to the fuel tanks.

.4 if the reliquefaction system produces a waste stream containing methane
during pressure control operations within the design conditions, these
waste gases shall, as far as reasonably practicable, be disposed of without
venting to atmosphere.

6.9.4 Thermal Oxidation Systems

6.9.4.1 Thermal oxidation can be done by either consumption of the vapours according to
the regulations for consumers described in this Code or in a dedicated gas combustion unit
(GCU). It has to be demonstrated that the capacity of the oxidation system is sufficient to
consume the required quantity of vapours. In this regard periods of slow steaming and/or no
consumption from propulsion or other services of the vessel has to be considered.

6.9.5 Compatibility

6.9.5.1 Refrigerants or auxiliary agents used for refrigeration or cooling of fuel must be
compatible with the fuel they may come in contact with (not causing any hazardous reaction
or excessively corrosive products) In addition, when several refrigerants or agents are used,
these must be compatible with each other.

6.9.6 Availability of Systems

6.9.6.1 The availability of the system and its supporting auxiliary services shall be such that
in case of a single failure (of mechanical non-static component or a component of the control
systems) the fuel tank pressure and temperature can be maintained by another
service/system.

6.9.6.2 Heat exchangers that are solely necessary for maintaining the pressure and
temperature of the gas fuel tanks within their design ranges shall have a standby heat
exchanger unless they have a capacity in excess of 25% of the largest required capacity for
pressure control and they can be repaired on board without external sources.

6.10 Atmospheric control within the fuel storage system
(Note: Consider if this should be a separate chapter)

6.10.1 A piping system shall be arranged to enable each fuel storage tank to be safely gas-
freed, and to be safely filled with fuel gas from a gas-free condition. The system shall be
arranged to minimize the possibility of pockets of gas or air remaining after changing the
atmosphere

6.10.2 The system shall be designed to eliminate the possibility of a flammable mixture
existing in the fuel tank during any part of the atmosphere change operation by utilizing an
inerting medium as an intermediate step.

6.10.3 Gas sampling points shall be provided for each fuel tank to monitor the
progress of atmosphere change.
page 63


6.10.4 Inert gas utilized for gas freeing of tanks may be provided externally to the
ship.

6.11 Atmosphere control within hold spaces (Fuel containment systems
other than type C independent tanks)

6.11.1 Interbarrier and hold spaces associated with cargo containment systems for
flammable gases requiring full or partial secondary barriers shall be inerted with a suitable
dry inert gas and kept inerted with make-up gas provided by a shipboard inert gas generation
system, or by shipboard storage, which shall be sufficient for normal consumption for at least
30 days. Shorter periods may be considered by the Administration depending on the ships
service

6.11.2 Alternatively, the spaces referred to in 6.11.1 requiring only a partial secondary
barrier may be filled with dry air provided that the ship maintains a stored charge of inert gas
or is fitted with an inert gas generation system sufficient to inert the largest of these spaces,
and provided that the configuration of the spaces and the relevant vapour detection systems,
together with the capability of the inerting arrangements, ensures that any leakage from the
cargo tanks will be rapidly detected and inerting effected before a dangerous condition can
develop. Equipment for the provision of sufficient dry air of suitable quality to satisfy the
expected demand shall be provided.

6.12 Environmental control of spaces surrounding type C independent tanks

6.12.1 Spaces surrounding fuel tanks shall be filled with suitable dry air and be maintained
in this condition with dry air provided by suitable air drying equipment. This is only applicable
for fuel tanks where condensation and icing due to cold surfaces is an issue.

6.13 Inerting

6.13.1 Arrangements to prevent back-flow of fuel vapour into the inert gas system shall be
provided as specified below.

6.13.2 To prevent the return of flammable gas to any gas safe spaces, the inert gas supply
line shall be fitted with two shutoff valves in series with a venting valve in between (double
block and bleed valves). In addition a closable non-return valve shall be installed between
the double block and bleed arrangement and the gas fuel system. These valves shall be
located outside non-hazardous spaces.

6.13.3 Where the connections to the gas piping systems are non-permanent, two non-
return valves may be substituted for the valves required in 6.13.2.

6.13.4 The arrangements shall be such that each space being inerted can be isolated and
the necessary controls and relief valves, etc., shall be provided for controlling pressure in
these spaces.

6.13.5 Where insulation spaces are continually supplied with an inert gas as part of a leak
detection system, means shall be provided to monitor the quantity of gas being supplied to
individual spaces.

6.14 Inert gas production on board

page 64

6.14.1 The equipment shall be capable of producing dry inert gas with oxygen content at no
time greater than 5 per cent by volume [with a dew point of minus 45
o
C]. A continuous-
reading oxygen content meter shall be fitted to the inert gas supply from the equipment and
shall be fitted with an alarm set at a maximum of 5 per cent oxygen content by volume.
(Note: Clarify where the dew point is applicable and inerting versus purging in the various paagraphs)

6.14.2 An inert gas system shall have pressure controls and monitoring arrangements
appropriate to the fuel containment system.

6.14.3 Where a nitrogen generator or nitrogen storage facilities are installed in a separate
compartment outside of the engine room, the separate compartment shall be fitted with an
independent mechanical extraction ventilation system, providing a minimum of 6 air changes
per hour. A low oxygen alarm shall be fitted.
(Note: Consider liquid nitrogen implicaions)

6.14.4 Nitrogen pipes shall only be led through well ventilated spaces. Nitrogen pipes in
enclosed spaces shall:

- be fully welded
- have only a minimum of flange connections as needed for fitting of valves
- be as short as possible.

7 MATERIAL AND GENERAL PIPE DESIGN

7.1 Goal

7.1.1 The goal of this chapter is to ensure the safe handling of gas fuel, under all
operating conditions, to minimize the risk to the ship, personnel and to the environment,
having regard to the nature of the products involved.

7.2 Functional requirements

7.2.1 This chapter relates to functional requirements 3.2.1, 3.2.5, 3.2.6, 3.2.8, 3.2.9 and
3.2.10, of this Code. In particular the following apply:

7.2.1.1 Fuel piping shall be capable of absorbing thermal expansion or contraction caused
by extreme temperatures of the fuel without developing substantial stresses.

7.2.1.2 Provision shall be made to protect the piping, piping system and components and
fuel tanks from excessive stresses due to thermal movement and from movements of the
tank and hull structure.

7.2.1.3 If the fuel gas contains heavier constituents that may condense in the system,
means for safely removing the liquid shall be fitted.

7.2.1.4 Low temperature piping shall be thermally isolated from the adjacent hull structure,
where necessary, to prevent the temperature of the hull from falling below the design
temperature of the hull material.

7.3 Requirements for general pipe design

7.3.1 General

page 65

7.3.1.1 Fuel pipes and all the other piping needed for a safe and reliable operation and
maintenance shall be colour marked in accordance with a standard at least equivalent to
those acceptable to the Organization.
11


7.3.1.2 Where tanks or piping are separated from the ship's structure by thermal isolation,
provision shall be made for electrically bonding to the ship's structure both the piping and the
tanks. All gasketed pipe joints and hose connections shall be electrically bonded.

7.3.1.3 All pipelines or components which may be isolated in a liquid full condition shall be
provided with relief valves.

7.3.1.4 Pipework, which may contain low temperature liquid or gas, shall be thermally
insulated to an extent which will minimize condensation of moisture.

7.3.1.5 Piping other than fuel supply piping and cabling may be arranged in the double wall
piping or duct provided that they do not create a source of ignition or compromise the
integrity of the double pipe or duct. The double wall piping or duct shall only contain piping or
cabling necessary for operational purposes.
(Note: Proposed moved to 9.5.2 bis.)

7.3.2 Wall thickness

7.3.2.1 The minimum wall thickness shall be calculated as follows:

t =(to +b +c) / (1 - a/100) (mm)

where:
to =theoretical thickness
t
o
=PD/(20Ke +P) (mm)
with:
P =design pressure (bar) referred to in 7.3.3.
D =outside diameter (mm)
K =allowable stress (N/mm) referred to in 7.3.4
e =efficiency factory equal to 1.0 for seamless pipes and for longitudinally
or spirally welded pipes, delivered by approved manufacturers of welded
pipes, that are considered equivalent to seamless pipes when
non-destructive testing on welds is carried out in accordance with
recognized standards. In other cases an efficiency factor of less than 1.0, in
accordance with recognized standards, may be required depending on the
manufacturing process.
b =allowance for bending (mm). The value of b shall be chosen so that the
calculated stress in the bend, due to internal pressure only, does not
exceed the allowable stress. Where such justification is not given, b shall
be:
b =Dt
0
/2.5r (mm)
with:
r =mean radius of the bend (mm)

11
Refer to EN ISO 14726:2008 Ships and marine technology Identification colours for the content of piping
systems.
page 66

c =corrosion allowance (mm). If corrosion or erosion is expected the wall
thickness of the piping shall be increased over that required by other design
requirements. This allowance shall be consistent with the expected life of
the piping.
a =negative manufacturing tolerance for thickness (%).

7.3.2.2 The absolute minimum wall thickness shall be in accordance with a standard
acceptable to the Administration.

7.3.3 Design condition

7.3.3.1 The greater of the following design conditions shall be used for piping, piping system
and components as appropriate
1213
:

.1 for systems or components which may be separated from their relief valves
and which contain only vapour at all times, vapour pressure at 45C
assuming an initial condition of saturated vapour in the system at the
system operating pressure and temperature; or

.2 the MARVS of the fuel tanks and fuel processing systems; or

.3 the pressure setting of the associated pump or compressor discharge relief
valve ; or

.4 the maximum total discharge or loading head of the fuel piping system; or

.5 the relief valve setting on a pipeline system.

7.3.3.2 Piping, piping systems and components shall have a minimum design pressure
of 10 bar except for open ended lines where it is not to be less than 5 bar.

7.3.4 Allowable stress

7.3.4.1 For pipes made of steel including stainless steel, the allowable stress to be
considered in the formula of the strength thickness in 5.3.2.1 shall be the lower of the
following values:

Rm/2.7 or Re/1.8

Where:
Rm = specified minimum tensile strength at room
temperature (N/mm)

Re =specified minimum yield stress at room temperature
(N/mm). If the stress-strain curve does not show a
defined yield stress, the 0.2% proof stress applies.

7.3.4.2 Where necessary for mechanical strength to prevent damage, collapse, excessive
sag or buckling of pipes due to superimposed loads, the wall thickness shall be increased

12
Lower values of ambient temperature regarding design condition in 5.3.3.1.1 may be accepted by the
Administration or its recognized organization for ships operating in restricted areas. Conversely, higher
values of ambient temperature may be required
13
For ships on voyages of restricted duration, P
o
may be calculated based on the actual pressure rise during
the voyage and account may be taken of any thermal insulation of the tank. Reference is made to
"Application of Amendments to Gas Carrier Codes Concerning Type C Tank Loading Limits"
(SIGTTO/IACS).
page 67

over that required by 7.3.1 or, if this is impracticable or would cause excessive local stresses,
these loads shall be reduced, protected against or eliminated by other design methods. Such
superimposed loads may be due to; supports, ship deflections, liquid pressure surge during
transfer operations, the weight of suspended valves, reaction to loading arm connections, or
otherwise.

7.3.4.3 For pipes made of materials other than steel, the allowable stress shall be
considered by the Administration or its Recognized Organization.

7.3.4.4 High pressure gas piping systems shall have sufficient constructive strength. This
shall be confirmed by carrying out stress analysis and taking into account:

stresses due to the weight of the piping system
acceleration loads when significant
internal pressure and loads induced by hog and sag of the ship.

7.3.4.5 When the design temperature is minus 110 C or colder, a complete stress analysis,
taking into account all the stresses due to weight of pipes, including acceleration loads if
significant, internal pressure, thermal contraction and loads induced by hog and sag of the
ship shall be carried out for each branch of the piping system.

7.3.5 Flexibility of piping

7.3.5.1 The arrangement and installation of gas piping shall provide the necessary flexibility
to maintain the integrity of the piping system in the actual service situations, taking potential
for fatigue into account.

7.3.6 Piping fabrication and joining details

7.3.6.1 Flanges, valves and other fittings shall comply with a standard acceptable to the
Administration, taking into account the design pressure defined in 7.3.3.1. For bellows and
expansion joints used in vapour service, a lower minimum design pressure than defined in
7.3.3.1 may be accepted.

7.3.6.2 All valves and expansion joints used in high pressure gas systems shall be
approved according to a standard acceptable to the Administration.

7.3.6.3 The piping system shall be joined by welding with a minimum of flange connections.
Gaskets shall be protected against blow-out.
(Note: Consider relocation)

7.3.6.4 Piping fabrication and joining details shall comply with the following:

7.3.6.4.1 Direct connections

.1 Butt-welded joints with complete penetration at the root may be used in all
applications. For design temperatures colder than -10C, butt welds shall
be either double welded or equivalent to a double welded butt joint. This
may be accomplished by use of a backing ring, consumable insert or inert
gas back-up on the first pass. For design pressures in excess of 10 bar and
design temperatures of minus 10C or colder, backing rings shall be
removed.
page 68

.2 Slip-on welded joints with sleeves and related welding, having dimensions
in accordance with recognized standards, shall only be used for instrument
lines and open-ended lines with an external diameter of 50 mm or less and
design temperatures not colder than minus 55C.
3. Screwed couplings complying with recognized standards shall only be used
for accessory lines and instrumentation lines with external diameters of 25
mm or less.

7.3.6.4.2 Flanged connections

.1 Flanges in flange connections shall be of the welded neck, slip-on or socket
welded type.
.2 For all piping except open ended, the following restrictions apply:
.1 For design temperatures colder than minus 55C, only welded
neck flanges shall be used.
.3 For design temperatures colder than minus 10C, slip-on flanges shall not
be used in nominal sizes above 100 mm and socket welded flanges shall
not be used in nominal sizes above 50 mm.

7.3.6.4.3 Expansion joints

.1 Where bellows and expansion joints are provided in accordance
with 7.3.6.1 the following requirements apply:
.1 If necessary, bellows shall be protected against icing.

.2 Slip joints shall not be used except within the liquefied gas fuel
storage tanks.

.3 Bellows shall normally not be arranged in enclosed spaces.

7.3.6.4.4 Other connections

.1 Piping connections shall be joined in accordance with 7.3.6.4.1-7.3.6.4.3
but for other exceptional cases the Administration or its Recognized
Organization may consider alternative arrangements.

7.4 Requirements for materials

7.4.1 Metallic materials

7.4.1.1 Materials for fuel containment and piping systems shall comply with the minimum
requirements given in the following tables:

Table 7.1: Plates, pipes (seamless and welded), sections and forgings for fuel tanks
and process pressure vessels for design temperatures not lower than 0C.

Table 7.2: Plates, sections and forgings for fuel tanks, secondary barriers and
process pressure vessels for design temperatures below 0C and down to
minus 55C.

Table 7.3: Plates, sections and forgings for fuel tanks, secondary barriers and
process pressure vessels for design temperatures below -55C and down to
minus 165C.
page 69


Table 7.4: Pipes (seamless and welded), forgings and castings for fuel and process
piping for design temperatures below 0C and down to minus 165C.

Table 7.5: Plates and sections for hull structures required by 5.4.13.1.1.2.

Table 7.1
PLATES, PIPES (SEAMLESS AND WELDED)
See note 1 and 2
, SECTIONS AND
FORGINGS FOR FUEL TANKS AND PROCESS PRESSURE VESSELS FOR DESIGN
TEMPERATURES NOT LOWER THAN 0C
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND HEAT TREATMENT
Carbon-manganese steel
Fully killed fine grain steel
Small additions of alloying elements by agreement with the Administration
Composition limits to be approved by the Administration
Normalized, or quenched and tempered
See note 4

TENSILE AND TOUGHNESS (IMPACT) TEST REQUIREMENTS
Sampling frequency
Plates Each "piece" to be tested
Sections and forgings Each "batch" to be tested.
Mechanical properties
Tensile properties
Specified minimum yield stress not to exceed
410 N/mm
2 see note 5

Toughness (Charpy V-notch test)
Plates
Transverse test pieces. Minimum average
energy value (KV) 27J
Sections and forgings
Longitudinal test pieces. Minimum average
energy (KV) 41J
Test temperature
Thickness t (mm) Test temperature (C)
t<20 0
20<t<40
See note 3
-20
Notes
1. For seamless pipes and fittings normal practice applies. The use of longitudinally and
spirally welded pipes shall be specially approved by the Recognized Organization.
2. Charpy V-notch impact tests are not required for pipes.
3. This Table is generally applicable for material thicknesses up to 40 mm. Proposals for
greater thicknesses shall be approved by the Recognized Organization.
4. A controlled rolling procedure or TMCP may be used as an alternative.
5. Materials with specified minimum yield stress exceeding 410 N/mm
2
may be approved by a
Recognized Organization. For these materials, particular attention should be given to the
hardness of the welded and heat affected zones.

page 70

Table 7.2
PLATES, SECTIONS AND FORGINGS
See note 1
FOR FUEL TANKS, SECONDARY BARRIERS
AND PROCESS PRESSURE VESSELS FOR DESIGN TEMPERATURES BELOW 0C AND
DOWN TO - 55C
Maximum thickness 25 mm
See note 2

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND HEAT TREATMENT
Carbon-manganese steel
Fully killed, aluminium treated fine grain steel
Chemical composition (ladle analysis)
C Mn Si S P
0.16% max.

See note 3

0.70-1.60% 0.10-0.50% 0.025% max. 0.025% max.
Optional additions: Alloys and grain refining elements may be generally in accordance with
the following
Ni Cr Mo Cu Nb
0.80% max. 0.25% max. 0.08% max. 0.35% max. 0.05% max.
V
0.10% max.
Al content total 0.020% min. (Acid soluble 0.015% min.)
Normalized, or quenched and tempered
See note 4

TENSILE AND TOUGHNESS (IMPACT) TEST REQUIREMENTS
Sampling frequency
Plates Each 'piece' to be tested
Sections and forgings Each 'batch' to be tested
Mechanical properties
Tensile properties Specified minimum yield stress not to exceed 410 N/mm
2 See note 5
Toughness (Charpy V-notch test)
Plates Transverse test pieces. Minimum average energy value (KV) 27J
Sections and forgings Longitudinal test pieces. Minimum average energy (KV) 41J
Test temperature 5C below the design temperature or -20C whichever is lower
Notes
1. The Charpy V-notch and chemistry requirements for forgings may be specially considered by the
Administration.
2. For material thickness of more than 25 mm, Charpy V-notch tests shall be conducted as follows:
Material thickness (mm) Test temperature (C)
25 < t 30 10C below design temperature or -20C whichever is lower
30 < t 35 15C below design temperature or -20C whichever is lower
35 < t 40 20C below design temperature
40 <t Temperature approved by the Recognized Organization
The impact energy value shall be in accordance with the table for the applicable type of test specimen.
Materials for tanks and parts of tanks which are completely thermally stress relieved after welding may
be tested at a temperature 5C below design temperature or -20C whichever is lower.
For thermally stress relieved reinforcements and other fittings, the test temperature shall be the same
as that required for the adjacent tank-shell thickness.
3. By special agreement with the Administration, the carbon content may be increased to 0,18%
maximum provided the design temperature is not lower than -40C
4. A controlled rolling procedure or TMCP may be used as an alternative.
5. Materials with specified minimum yield stress exceeding 410 N/mm
2
may be approved by a
Recognized Organization. For these materials, particular attention should be given to the hardness of
the welded and heat affected zones.

Guidance:
For materials exceeding 25 mm in thickness for which the test temperature is -60C or lower, the
application of specially treated steels or steels in accordance with table 7.3 may be necessary.

page 71

Table 7.3
PLATES, SECTIONS AND FORGINGS
see note 1
FOR FUEL TANKS, SECONDARY BARRIERS
AND PROCESS PRESSURE VESSELS FOR DESIGN TEMPERATURES BELOW -55C AND
DOWN TO -165C
see note 2

Maximum thickness 25 mm
see note 3 and 4

Minimum design
temp. (C)
Chemical composition
see note 5
and heat treatment
Impact test
temp. (C)
-60
1,5% nickel steel normalized or normalized and tempered or
quenched and tempered or TMCP
see note 6

-65
-65
2,25% nickel steel normalized or normalized and tempered or
quenched and tempered or TMCP
see notes 6 and 7

-70
-90
3,5% nickel steel normalized or normalized and tempered or
quenched and temperedor TMCP
see notes 6 and 7

-95
-105
5% nickel steel normalized or normalized and tempered or
quenched and tempered
see notes 6, 7 and 8

-110
-165
9% nickel steel double normalized and tempered or quenched and
tempered
see notes 6

-196
-165
Austenitic steels, such as types 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321 and 347
solution treated
see note 9

-196
-165 Aluminium alloys; such as type 5083 annealed Not required
-165 Austenitic Fe-Ni alloy (36% nickel) Heat treatment as agreed Not required
TENSILE AND TOUGHNESS (IMPACT) TEST REQUIREMENTS
Sampling frequency
Plates Each 'piece' to be tested
Sections and forgings Each 'batch' to be tested
Toughness (Charpy V-notch test)
Plates Transverse test pieces. Minimum average energy value (KV) 27J
Sections and forgings Longitudinal test pieces. Minimum average energy (KV) 41J
Notes
1 The impact test required for forgings used in critical applications shall be subject to special
consideration by the Administration.
2 The requirements for design temperatures below 165C shall be specially agreed with the
Administration.
3 For materials 1,5% Ni, 2.25% Ni, 3.5% Ni and 5% Ni, with thicknesses greater than 25 mm, the
impact tests shall be conducted as follows:
Material thickness (mm) Test temperature (C)
25 < t 30 10C below design temperature
30 < t 35 15C below design temperature
35 < t 40 20C below design temperature
The energy value shall be in accordance with the table for the applicable type of test specimen. For
material thickness of more than 40 mm, the Charpy V-notch values shall be specially considered.
4 For 9% Ni steels, austenitic stainless steels and aluminium alloys, thickness greater than 25 mm may
be used.
5 The chemical composition limits shall be in accordance with Recognized Standards.
6 TMCP nickel steels will be subject to acceptance by the Administration.
7 A lower minimum design temperature for quenched and tempered steels may be specially agreed with
the Administration.
8 A specially heat treated 5% nickel steel, for example triple heat treated 5% nickel steel, may be used
down to 165C, provided that the impact tests are carried out at 196C.
9 The impact test may be omitted subject to agreement with the Administration.

page 72

Table 7.4
PIPES (SEAMLESS AND WELDED)
See note 1
, FORGINGS
See note 2
AND
CASTINGS
See note 2
FOR FUEL AND PROCESS PIPING FOR DESIGN
TEMPERATURES BELOW 0C AND DOWN TO -165C
See note 3

Maximum thickness 25 mm
Minimum
design
temp.(C)
Chemical composition
See note 5
and heat treatment
Impact test
Test temp.
(C)
Minimum
average
energy (KV)
-55
Carbon-manganese steel. Fully killed fine grain.
Normalized or as agreed.
see notes 6

See note 4
27
-65
2.25% nickel steel. Normalized, Normalized and
tempered or quenched and tempered.
see notes 6

-70 34
-90
3.5% nickel steel. Normalized, Normalized and
tempered or quenched and tempered.
see notes 6

-95 34
-165
9% nickel steel
see note 7
. Double normalized and tempered
or quenched and tempered.
-196 41
Austenitic steels, such as types 304, 304L, 316, 316L,
321 and 347. Solution treated.
see note 8

-196 41
Aluminium alloys; such as type 5083 annealed Not required
TENSILE AND TOUGHNESS (IMPACT) TEST REQUIREMENTS
Sampling frequency
Each 'batch' to be tested.
Toughness (Charpy V-notch test)
Impact test: Longitudinal test pieces
Notes
1 The use of longitudinally or spirally welded pipes shall be specially approved by the Administration.
2 The requirements for forgings and castings may be subject to special consideration by the
Administration.
3 The requirements for design temperatures below -165C shall be specially agreed with the
Administration.
4 The test temperature shall be 5C below the design temperature or -20C whichever is lower.
5 The composition limits shall be in accordance with Recognized Standards.
6 A lower design temperature may be specially agreed with the Administration for quenched and
tempered materials.
7 This chemical composition is not suitable for castings.
8 Impact tests may be omitted subject to agreement with the Administration.

Table 7.5
PLATES AND SECTIONS FOR HULL STRUCTURES REQUIRED BY ?? AND ??
Minimum design
temperature of hull
structure (C)
Maximum thickness (mm) for steel grades
A B D E AH DH EH FH
0 and above
see note 1

-5 and above
see note 2

Recognized Standards
down to -5 15 25 30 50 25 45 50 50
down to -10 x 20 25 50 20 40 50 50
down to -20 x x 20 50 x 30 50 50
down to -30 x x x 40 x 20 40 50
Below -30
In accordance with table 5.2 except that the thickness limitation given in table 5.2
and in footnote 2 of that table does not apply.
Notes
'x' means steel grade not to be used.
1. For the purpose of 5.4.13
2. For the purpose of 5.4.13

page 73

7.4.1.2 Material having a melting point below 925C should not be used for piping outside
the gas tanks.

7.4.1.3 For CNG tanks, the use of materials not covered above may be specially considered
by the Administration.

7.4.1.4 Where required the outer pipe or duct containing high pressure gas in the inner pipe
shall as a minimum fulfil the material requirements for pipe materials with design temperature
down to minus 55C in Table 7.4.

7.4.1.5 The outer pipe or duct around gas pipes with liquid gas shall as a minimum fulfil the
material requirements for pipe materials with design temperature down to minus 165C in
Table 7.4.

8 BUNKERING

8.1 Goal

8.1.1 The goal of this chapter is to provide for suitable systems on board the ship to
ensure that bunkering can be conducted without causing danger to persons, the
environment or the ship.

8.2 Functional requirements

8.2.1 This chapter relates to functional requirements 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.2.5, 3.2.6,
3.2.7, 3.2.8, 3.2.9, 3.2.10, 3.2.11, 3.2.13, 3.2.14, 3.2.15, 3.2.16 and 3.2.17 of this Code.
In particular the following apply:

8.2.1.1 The piping system for transfer of fuel to the storage tank shall be designed such that
any leakage from the piping system cannot cause danger to personnel, the environment or
the ship.

8.2.1.2 The vessel shall not connect to any facility or barge which does not meet an
applicable and appropriate safety standard.
(Note: should be addressed in an operational chapter)

8.3 Requirements for bunkering station

8.3.1 General requirements

8.3.1.1 The bunkering station shall be located on open deck so that sufficient natural
ventilation is provided. Closed or semi-enclosed bunkering stations shall be subject to
special consideration within the safety analysis.

8.3.1.3 Connections and piping shall be so positioned and arranged that any damage to the
gas piping does not cause damage to the ship's fuel containment system resulting in an
uncontrolled gas discharge.

8.3.1.5 Arrangements shall be made for safe management of any spilled fuel.

8.3.1.6 Suitable means should be provided to relieve the pressure and remove liquid
contents from pump suctions and bunker lines. Liquid is to be discharged to the fuel tanks or
other suitable location.

page 74

8.3.1.7 The surrounding hull or deck structures shall not be exposed to unacceptable
cooling, in case of leakage of liquid gas.

8.3.1.8 For compressed gas bunkering stations, low temperature steel shielding shall be
considered to determine if the escape of cold jets impinging on surrounding hull structure is
possible.


8.3.2 Ships' fuel hoses
(Note: Check consistence with ISO TC 67/WG 10 if available in time)

8.3.2.1 Liquid and vapour hoses used for fuel transfer shall be compatible with the fuel and
suitable for the fuel temperature.

8.3.2.2 Hoses subject to tank pressure, or the discharge pressure of pumps or vapour
compressors, shall be designed for a bursting pressure not less than five times the maximum
pressure the hose can be subjected to during bunkering.

8.4 Requirements for manifold

8.4.1 The bunkering manifold shall be designed to withstand the external loads during
bunkering. The connections at the bunkering station shall be of dry-disconnect type equipped
with additional safety dry break-away coupling/ self-sealing quick release. The couplings
shall be of a standard type.

8.5 Requirements for bunkering system

8.5.1 For tanks not permanently installed in the vessel the connection of all necessary
tank systems (piping, controls, safety system, relief system etc.) to the gas system of the
vessel is part of the "bunkering" process and shall be finished prior to ship departure from the
bunkering station. Connection of portable tanks during the sea voyage or manoeuvring is not
permitted.

8.5.2 An arrangement for purging fuel bunkering lines with inert gas shall be provided.

8.5.3 The bunkering system shall be so arranged that no gas is discharged to the
atmosphere during filling of storage tanks.

8.5.4 A manually operated stop valve and a remote operated shutdown valve in series, or
a combined manually operated and remote valve shall be fitted in every bunkering line close
to the connecting point. It shall be possible to operate the remote valve in the control location
for bunkering operations and/or from another safe location.

8.5.5 Means shall be provided for draining any liquefied gas from the bunkering pipes
upon completion of operation.

8.5.6 Bunkering lines shall be arranged for inerting and gas freeing. . [During operation]
[When not engaged in bunkering] the bunkering pipes shall be free of gas, unless the
consequences of not gas freeing is evaluated and approved.

8.5.7 In case bunkering lines are arranged with a cross-over it shall be ensured by
suitable isolation arrangements that no fuel is transferred inadvertently to the ship side not in
use for bunkering.

page 75

[8.5.8 If the vessel intends to carry out cargo operations in parallel with bunkering. Vessel
shall be fitted with an interlinked ESD-System to the bunker supply facility ensuring an
efficient shut down of both operations in case of emergency.]

(Note: To be further discussed What about passenger ships?

8.5.9 If not demonstrated to be required at a higher value due to pressure surge
considerations a default time of 5 seconds from the trigger of the alarm to full closure of the
valve shall be adjusted.

8.5.10 Bunkering lines are not to pass through accommodation, service spaces or control
stations. Where bunkering lines pass through other gas safe spaces, these are to comply
with the requirements of 9.6.2 (i.e. enclosed in a double-walled piping or a ventilated
gas-tight duct).

(Note: Need to make sure this is not in conflict with whatever we agree in 5.7.2 and 9.5.2)

9 FUEL SUPPLY TO CONSUMERS

9.1 Goal

9.1.1 The goal of this chapter is to ensure safe and reliable distribution of fuel to the
consumers.

9.2 Functional requirements

9.2.1 This chapter is related to functional requirements 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.2.5,
3.2.6, 3.2.8, 3.2.9, 3.2.10, 3.2.11, 3.2.13, 3.2.14, 3.2.15, 3.2.16 and 3.2.17 of this Code. In
particular the following apply:

9.2.1.1 The fuel supply system shall be so arranged that the consequences of any release
of fuel will be minimized, while providing safe access for operation and inspection.

9.2.1.2 The piping system for gas transfer to the consumers shall be designed in a way that
a failure of one barrier cannot lead to a leak from the piping system into the surrounding area
causing danger to the persons on board, the environment or the ship.

9.2.1.3 Fuel lines outside the machinery spaces shall be installed and protected so as to
minimize the risk of injury to personnel in case of leakage.

9.3 Redundancy of fuel supply

9.3.1 For single fuel installations the fuel supply system shall be arranged with full
redundancy and segregation all the way from the gas tanks to the consumer, so that a
leakage in one system does not lead to loss of propulsion and/or power to essential
consumers.

9.3.2 For single fuel installations (gas only), the fuel storage should be divided between
two or more tanks [sized to meet the requirements of SOLAS chapter II-1/26.11]. The tanks
should be located in separate compartments. [For type C tanks with separate tank
connection spaces, the tanks may be located in the same compartment.]

9.3.3 [For type C-tank only, one tank may be accepted if two completely separate tank
connection spaces are installed for the one tank.]

page 76

9.4 Safety functions of gas supply system

9.4.1 Gas storage tank inlets and outlets shall be provided with valves located as close to
the tank as possible. Valves required to be operated during normal operation
14
which are not
accessible shall be remotely operated. [Tank valves shall be automatically operated when
the safety system required in 15.2.1.2 is activated.]

9.4.2 The main gas supply line to each engine or set of engines shall be equipped with a
manually operated stop valve and an automatically operated "master gas fuel valve" coupled
in series or a combined manually and automatically operated valve. The valves shall be
situated in the part of the piping that is outside machinery space containing gas-fuelled
engines, and placed as near as possible to the installation for heating the gas, if fitted. [The
master gas fuel valve shall automatically cut off the gas supply when activated by the safety
system required in 15.2.1.2.]

Alternatively

9.4.2 It shall be possible to isolate the gas fuel supply to each individual space containing
a gas consumer(s) with an individual master gas fuel valve, which is located [outside the
engine-room]. It shall operate under the following circumstances:

.1 automatically by:

.1.1 gas detection within the space;

.1.2 leak detection in the annular space of a double walled space;

.1.3 loss of ventilation in the annular space of the double walled pipe;

.2 manually from within the space, and at least one remote location.

The isolation of gas fuel supply to a space shall not affect the gas supply to other spaces
containing gas consumers.

9.4.3 The automatic master gas fuel valve shall be operable from a reasonable number of
places in the machinery space containing gas-fuelled engines, from a suitable location
outside the space and from the navigation bridge.

9.4.4 Each gas consuming equipment shall be provided with a set of "double block and
bleed" valves. These valves shall be arranged as outlined in .1 or .2 (respectively shown as
alternatives 1 and 2 in figure 1) [so that when the safety system required in 15.2.1.2 is
activated this will cause the two gas fuel valves that are in series to close automatically and
the ventilation valve to open automatically and]:

.1 the two [double block]shut-off valves of these valves shall be in series in
the gas fuel pipe to the gas consuming equipment. The bleed valve shall be
in a pipe that vents to a safe location in the open air that portion of the gas
fuel piping that is between the two [shut-off] valves in series; or

.2 the function of one of the valves in series and the ventilation valve can be
incorporated into one valve body, so arranged that the flow to the gas
utilization unit will be blocked and the ventilation opened.


14
Normal operation in this context is when gas is supplied to consumers and during bunkering operations.
page 77

9.4.5 The two valves shall be of the fail-to-close type, while the ventilation valve shall be
fail-to-open.

9.4.6 The double block and bleed valves shall also be used for normal stop of the engine.

9.4.7 In cases where the master gas fuel valve is automatically shut-down, the complete
gas supply branch downstream of the double block and bleed valve shall be automatically
ventilated assuming reverse flow from the engine to the pipe.

9.4.8 There shall be one manually operated shutdown valve in the gas supply line to each
engine upstream of the double block and bleed valves to assure safe isolation during
maintenance on the engine.

9.4.9 For one-engine installations and multi-engine installations, where a separate master
valve is provided for each engine, the master gas fuel valve and the double block and bleed
valve functions can be combined. Examples for the high-pressure system are shown in
figures 1 and 2.The examples are similar for low pressure systems.

page 78

(Note: the marking on the figures for "double block and bleed" is not very clear, considering that this function is
separately required:
1) on the Master gas valve (9.4.2) to isolate the engine-room and
2) on the valve(s) at each consumer (9.4.4).)



Figure 1
Alternative supply valve arrangements for high-pressure installations (single engine
or separate master valve arrangement)



page 79



Figure 2
Alternative supply valve arrangements for high-pressure installations
(multi-engine installation)



page 80

9.4.10 Each main gas supply line entering an ESD protected machinery space, and each
gas supply line to [high] pressure installations means shall be provided for rapid detection of
a rupture in the gas line in the engine-room. When rupture is detected a valve shall be
automatically shut off[15]. This valve shall be located in the gas supply line before it enters
the engine-room or as close as possible to the point of entry inside the engine-room. It can
be a separate valve or combined with other functions, e.g. the master valve.
(Note: No agreement on "high" and footnote)

9.5 Requirements for fuel distribution outside of machinery space

9.5.1 Where gas pipes pass through enclosed spaces in the ship, they shall be protected
by a secondary barrier. This barrier can be a ventilated duct or a double wall piping system.
The duct or double wall piping system shall be mechanically under pressure ventilated
with 30 air changes per hour, and gas detection as required in 15.8 shall be provided.

9.6 Requirements for fuel supply to consumers in gas-safe machinery spaces

9.6.1 Fuel piping in gas-safe machinery spaces shall be completely enclosed by a double
pipe or duct fulfilling one of the following conditions:

.1 A double wall design with the space between the pipes pressurized with
inert gas at a pressure greater than the gas fuel pressure;]

.2 As an alternative to pressurized inert gas, the space between the
concentric pipes may be pressurized with inert gas at a pressure lower than
the gas fuel pressure provided that:

A high pressure alarm shall be provided to indicate a leakage from the
inner pipe
A low pressure alarm shall be provided to detect leakage of inert gas
The outer pipe shall be designed for the maximum service pressure of
the inner pipe.]

Valves on the inert gas system (filling, purge) shall be designed for the
maximum pressure in the inner pipe.

.3 Installed in a pipe or duct equipped with mechanical exhaust ventilation
having a capacity of at least 30 air changes per hour, and shall be arranged
to maintain a pressure less than the atmospheric pressure. The mechanical
ventilation shall be in accordance with chapter 13 as applicable. [The
ventilation shall always be in operation when there is fuel in the piping and
the isolating valve shall close automatically if the required air flow is not
established and maintained by the exhaust ventilation system. The inlet or
the duct may be from a non-hazardous machinery space, the ventilation
outlet shall be in a safe location.] [For high pressure systems both
ventilation inlets and outlets shall be in a safe location on open deck.]

.4 A double wall piping with vacuum in the outer pipe. The vacuum shall be
monitored. Loss of vacuum shall lead to shut down and purging of the line.
[Flanges in the vacuum piping located in enclosed spaces must be
efficiently protected within a double duct or pipe.]

15
The shutdown shall be time delayed to prevent shutdown due to transient load variations.
page 81


.5 A double wall design with the annular space between the inner and outer
pipes continuously monitored for hydrocarbon presence. The master gas
valve shall close automatically with the presence of gas detected in the
space.]

9.6.2 The connecting of gas piping and ducting to the gas injection valves shall be
completely covered by the ducting. The arrangement shall facilitate replacement and/or
overhaul of injection valves and cylinder covers. The double ducting is also required for all
gas pipes on the engine itself, until gas is injected into the chamber
16
.

[9.6.3 Where the use of double ducting is not practicable at a gas consumer a hood or
casing enclosing the consumer may be fitted in lieu. The hood or casing shall be equipped
with mechanical exhaust ventilation complying with 9.6.1.3. The double pipe or duct within
the machinery space may terminate at the boundary of the hood or casing.]

9.7 Requirements for fuel supply to consumers in ESD-protected machinery
spaces

9.7.1 The pressure in the fuel supply system shall not exceed 10 bar.

9.7.2 The fuel supply lines shall have a design pressure not less than 10 bar.

9.8 Requirements for the design of ventilated duct, outer pipe against inner pipe
gas leakage

9.8.1 The design pressure of the outer pipe or duct of fuel gas systems shall not be less
than the maximum working pressure of the inner gas pipe. Alternatively for fuel gas piping
systems with a working pressure greater than 10 bar, the design pressure of the outer duct
shall not be less than the maximum built-up pressure arising in the annular space
considering the local instantaneous peak pressure in way of any rupture and the ventilation
arrangements.

(Note: J T effects sufficiently considered?)

9.8.2 For high-pressure piping the design pressure of the ducting should be taken as the
higher of the following:

.1 the maximum built-up pressure: static pressure in way of the rupture
resulting from the gas flowing in the annular space;
.2 local instantaneous peak pressure in way of the rupture: this pressure [shall
be taken as] [could be defined by] the critical pressure given by the
following expression:

p = p0(
2
k+1
)
k
k1


Where

p0=maximum working pressure of the inner pipe


16
If gas is supplied into the air inlet on a low pressure engine, double ducting may be omitted on the air inlet
pipe on the condition that a gas detector is fitted above the engine. (meaning is questioned)
page 82

k=Cp/Cv constant pressure specific heat divided by the constant volume
specific heat

k =1.31 for CH4

The tangential membrane stress of a straight pipe should not exceed the tensile strength
divided by 1.5 (Rm/1.5) when subjected to the above pressures. The pressure ratings of all
other piping components should reflect the same level of strength as straight pipes.

As an alternative to using the peak pressure from the above formula, the peak pressure
found from representative tests can be used. Test reports should then be submitted.

9.8.3 For low pressure piping the duct should be dimensioned for a design pressure not
less than the maximum working pressure of the gas pipes. The duct should also be pressure
tested to show that it can withstand the expected maximum pressure at gas pipe rupture.

9.8.4 Verification of the strength shall be based on calculations demonstrating the duct or
pipe integrity. As an alternative to calculations, the strength can be verified by representative
tests.

9.9 Requirements for gas compressors and pumps

9.9.1 If compressors or pumps are driven by shafting passing through a bulkhead or deck,
the bulkhead penetration shall be of gastight type.

9.9.2 Compressors and pump shall be suitable for their intended purpose. All equipment
and machinery shall be such as to be adequately tested to ensure suitability for use within a
marine environment. Such items to be considered would include, but not be limited to:

Environmental
Shipboard vibrations and accelerations
Effects of pitch, heave and roll motions, etc.
Gas Composition

9.9.3 Arrangements shall be made to ensure that under no circumstances liquefied gas
can be introduced in the gas control section or gas-fuelled machinery, unless the machinery
is designed to operate with gas in liquid state.

9.9.4 Compressors and pumps shall be fitted with accessories and instrumentation
necessary for efficient and reliable function.

page 83

10 POWER GENERATION INCLUDING PROPULSION AND OTHER ENERGY CONVERTERS

10.1 Goal

10.1.1 The goal of this chapter is to provide safe and reliable delivery of mechanical,
electrical or thermal energy.

10.2 Functional requirements

10.2.1 This chapter is related to Functional requirements 3.2.1, [3.2.7], 3.2.11, 3.2.13,
3.2.16 and 3.2.17. In particular the following apply:

10.2.1.1 The exhausts system shall be configured to prevent any accumulation of un-burnt
gaseous fuel.

10.2.1.2 Unless designed with the strength to withstand the worst case over pressure due to
ignited gas leaks, engine components or systems containing or likely to contain an ignitable
gas and air mixture shall be fitted with suitable pressure relief systems. Dependent on the
particular engine design this may include the air inlet manifolds and scavenge spaces.

10.2.1.3 The explosion venting shall be led away from where personnel may normally be
present.

10.2.1.4 All energy converters shall have separate exhaust system.

10.3 Requirements for internal combustion engines of Piston type

10.3.1 General

10.3.1.1 The exhaust system shall be equipped with explosion relief ventilation sufficiently
dimensioned to prevent excessive explosion pressures in the event of ignition failure of one
cylinder followed by ignition of the unburned gas in the system.

10.3.1.2 For engines where the space below the piston is in direct communication with the
crankcase a detailed evaluation regarding the hazard potential of fuel gas accumulation in
the crankcase is to be carried out and reflected in the safety concept of the engine.

[10.3.1.3 If the gas supply is not changed-over to an alternative type, e.g. oil fuel, before
stopping, the machinery including the exhaust system, gas compressor, gas system and
supply lines up to the master valve shall be purged in order to discharge any residual gas
which may be present.]
(Note: Kept in square brackets for further discussion)

10.3.1.4 Each engine other than two-stroke crosshead diesel engines shall be fitted with
vent systems independent of other engines for crankcases and sumps.

10.3.1.5 Where gas can leak directly into the auxiliary system medium (lubricating oil,
cooling water), an appropriate means shall be fitted [at] [after] the engine outlet to extract gas
in order to prevent gas dispersion. The gas extracted from auxiliary systems media shall be
vented to a safe location in the atmosphere.

[10.3.1.6 The crankcase of a trunk piston type engines shall be fitted with a means of
[manually] injecting inert gas.]
(Note: Include manually and independent arrangements for each gas-fuelled engine have some support)
page 84

10.3.1.7 For engines fitted with ignition systems, prior to admission of gas fuel, correct
operation of the ignition system on each unit shall be verified.

10.3.1.8 A means shall be provided to monitor and detect poor combustion or mis-firing that
may lead to unburnt fuel gas in the exhaust system during operation. In the event that it is
detected, [the fuel gas supply shall be shut down. It shall be possible to manually over-ride
the shut down system] [gas operation may be allowed provided that the gas supply to the
concerned engine is shut-off and provided that the operation of the engine with one cylinder
cut-off is acceptable with respects to torsional vibrations].

10.3.1.9 For engines starting on fuels covered by this Code, if combustion has not been
detected by the engine monitoring system within an engine specific time after the opening of
the fuel supply valve, the fuel supply valve shall be automatically shut off. Means to ensure
that any un-burnt fuel mixture is purged away from the exhaust system shall be provided.

10.3.2 Requirements for dual fuel engines

10.3.2.1 In case of shut-off of the gas fuel supply, the engines shall be capable of
continuous operation by oil fuel only without interruption.

10.3.2.2 An automatic system shall be fitted to change over from gas fuel operation to oil
fuel operation and vice-versa with minimum fluctuation of the engine power Acceptable
reliability shall be demonstrated through testing. In the case of unstable operation on engines
when gas firing, the engine shall automatically change to oil fuel mode. Manual activation of
gas system shut down shall always be possible

10.3.2.3 In case of a normal stop or an emergency shut-down, the gas fuel supply shall be
shut off not later than the ignition source. It shall not be possible to shut off the ignition
source without first or simultaneously closing the gas supply to each cylinder or to the
complete engine.

10.3.3 Requirements for gas-only engines

10.3.3.1 In case of a normal stop or an emergency shutdown, the gas fuel supply shall be
shut off not later than the ignition source. It shall not be possible to shut off the ignition
source without first or simultaneously closing the gas supply to each cylinder or to the
complete engine.

10.3.4 Requirements for multi-fuel engines

10.3.4.1 In case of shut-off of one fuel supply, the engines shall be capable of continuous
operation by an alternative fuel with minimum fluctuation of the engine power.

10.3.4.2 An automatic system shall be fitted to change over from one fuel operation to an
alternative fuel operation with minimum fluctuation of the engine power. Acceptable reliability
shall be demonstrated through testing. In the case of unstable operation on an engine when
using a particular fuel, the engine shall automatically change to an alternative fuel mode.
Manual activation shall always be possible.

page 85










10.4 Requirements for boilers main and auxiliary

10.4.1 Each boiler shall have a dedicated forced draught system. A crossover between
boiler force draught systems may be fitted for emergency use providing that any relevant
safety functions are maintained.

10.4.2 Combustion chambers and uptakes of boilers shall be designed to prevent any
accumulation of gaseous fuel.

10.4.3 Burners shall be designed to maintain stable combustion under all firing conditions.

10.4.4 On main/propulsion boilers an automatic system shall be provided to change from
gas fuel operation to oil fuel operation [without] [with minimum] interruption of boiler firing.

10.4.5 Gas nozzles and the burner control system shall be configured such that gas fuel
can only be ignited by an established oil fuel flame, unless the boiler and combustion
equipment is designed and approved by the Administration to light on gas fuel.

10.4.6 There shall be arrangements to ensure that gas fuel flow to the burner is
automatically cut off unless satisfactory ignition has been established and maintained.

10.4.7 On the pipe of each gas burner a manually operated shut-off valve shall be fitted.

10.4.8 Provisions shall be made for automatically purging the gas supply piping to the
burners, by means of an inert gas, after the extinguishing of these burners.

10.4.9 The automatic fuel changeover system required by 6.7.5 shall be monitored with
alarms to ensure continuous availability.

10.4.10 Arrangements shall be made that, in case of flame failure of all operating burners,
the combustion chambers of the boilers are automatically purged before relighting.

10.4.11 Arrangements shall be made to enable the boilers purging sequence to be manually
activated.

10.5 Requirements for gas turbines

10.5.1 The exhausts shall be appropriately configured to prevent any accumulation of
un-burnt fuel gas.

10.5.2 Unless designed with the strength to withstand the worst case over pressure due to
ignited gas leaks, pressure relief systems shall be suitably designed and fitted to the exhaust
system, taking into consideration of explosions due to gas leaks. Pressure relief systems
within the exhaust uptakes shall be lead to a non-hazardous location, away from personnel.



GAS ONLY DUAL FUEL MULTI FUEL
IGNITION
MEDIUM
Spark Pilot fuel Pilot fuel N/A
MAIN
FUEL
Gas Gas
Gas and/ or Oil
fuel
Gas and/ or
Liquid
page 86

10.5.3 The gas turbine may be fitted in a gas-tight enclosure arranged in accordance with
the ESD principle outlined in 6.5, however a pressure above 10 bar in the gas supply piping
may be accepted within this enclosure.

10.5.4 Gas detection systems and shut down functions shall be as outlined for ESD
protected machinery spaces.

10.5.5 Ventilation for the enclosure shall be as outlined in chapter 13 for ESD protected
machinery spaces, but shall in addition be arranged with full redundancy (2x100% capacity
fans from different electrical circuits).

10.5.6 For other than single fuel gas turbines, an automatic system shall be fitted to change
over easily and quickly from fuel gas operation to fuel oil operation [and vice-versa] with
minimum fluctuation of the engine power.

10.5.7 Means shall be provided to monitor and detect poor combustion that may lead to
unburnt fuel gas in the exhaust system during operation. In the event that it is detected, the
fuel gas supply shall be shut down.

10.5.8 Each turbine shall be fitted with an automatic shutdown device for high exhaust
temperatures.]

10.6 Requirements for fuel cells

(Note: Support for moving to separate section. Will be moved at a later stage.)

10.6.1 The design shall ensure that any single failure in active components of the fuel cell
system shall not lead to loss of propulsion or auxiliary power for essential services.
17


10.6.2 The arrangement of the fuel cell spaces shall be so that a necessary shut down due
to a fuel or oxidant leakage cannot lead to loss of propulsion or auxiliary power for essential
services.

10.6.3 If the power from the fuel cell is needed for restoration of power in a black out or
dead ship situation, the recovery arrangements have to be documented and approved in
each case.

10.6.4 Fuel cell spaces shall have as simple geometrical shape as possible. Fuel cell
spaces where hydrogen may be present shall have no obstructing structures in the upper
part and shall be arranged with a smooth ceiling sloping up towards the ventilation outlet.
Support structure like girders and stiffeners shall be facing outwards.
Thin plate ceiling to cover support structure under the deck plating is not acceptable.
(Note: Some explanation from proponent would be helpful)

10.6.5 The presence of fuel release sources in a fuel cell space will decide if it is regarded
as a hazardous or non hazardous space. There are two ways to make a fuel cell space non
hazardous:

.1 All fuel pipes are enclosed in a gas tight double enclosure (duct or pipe)
fulfilling the requirements in 10.4.


17
The fuel cell is defined as an active component. Other active components are components for mechanical
transfer of energy, e.g. pumps, fans, electric motors, generators, combustion engines and turbines. Heat
exchangers, boilers, transformers, switchgear or cables are not considered to be active components.
page 87

.2 All FC fuel pipes that are not inside a double duct are fully welded and the
ventilation rate in the space is sufficient to avoid gas concentration in the
flammable range in all leakage scenarios, including pipe rupture. Valves in
the fuel cell piping shall be leakage tested for the fuel used. In addition the
fuel cell space is fitted with gas detection and an automatic shut down
system as for ESD protected machinery spaces.
1819


10.6.6 Fuel cell stacks, fuel cell conditioning system (such as pre-heater, compressor, filter,
reformer etc) and gas storage system shall be located in spaces separated from each
other and from other spaces. For fuel cell systems with aggregate power lower than 375 kW,
the installation of the whole fuel cell system in the same compartment may be accepted by
the Administration provided that suitable arrangements are made in order to prevent gas
from reaching the fuel cell stacks in case of a leakage from the storage or conditioning
system (e.g. screen or suitable enclosure with exhaust arrangement).
(Note: Some explanation from proponent would be helpful)

10.6.7 In general, the requirements set out in chapter 11 apply. The fire-extinguishing
system shall be chosen according to the specific fuel cell type and shall not be limited to a
water spray system.

11 FIRE SAFETY

11.1 Goal

11.1.1 The goal of this part is to provide for fire- protection, detection and fighting for all
system components related to the storage, conditioning, transfer and use of natural gas as
ship fuel.

11.2 Functional requirements

11.2.1 This chapter is related to functional requirements 3.2.2, 3.2.4, 3.2.5, 3.2.7, 3.2.12,
3.2.14, 3.2.15 and 3.2.17 in this Code.

11.3 General

11.3.1 Any space containing equipment for the fuel preparation such as pumps,
compressors, heat exchangers, vaporizers and pressure vessels shall be regarded as a
machinery space of category A for fire protection purposes.

11.4 Requirements for fire protection

11.4.1 Fuel tank(s) located above [the bulkhead] deck shall be shielded with class A-60
insulation towards accommodation, machinery spaces and in way of escape routes. Tanks
shall also be segregated from cargo in accordance with the requirements of the IMDG Code
where the tanks are regarded as bulk packaging.

11.4.2 Any boundary of accommodation up to bridge windows, machinery spaces and
cargo spaces facing gas fuel tanks on open deck shall have A-60 fire integrity and bridge
windows A-0 (with fire risk from outside).

18
If hydrogen valves are located in a space kept non hazardous in the above manner (2), [the valves should
be leakage tested with hydrogen] [leakage tests shall be conducted with pressurized gas such as air
or nitrogen containing at least 10 per cent helium or hydrogen]. For other fuels normal hydrostatic
pressure testing with water as part of the product certification will be sufficient.
19
Compensators or other pipe components with poorer strength, fatigue or leakage properties than the fully
welded pipe are not accepted in FC fuel piping in a space kept gas safe in the above manner (2).
page 88


11.4.3 The fuel containments system boundaries and ventilation trunks to such spaces
below the bulkhead deck should be constructed to class A-60 standard and cofferdam. The
separation by means of a cofferdam shall be at least 900 mm. For the purpose of this regulation
for type C tanks, the hold space may be considered as a cofferdam. However, where the
room is adjacent to tanks, voids, auxiliary machinery, spaces of little or no fire risk, sanitary
and similar spaces, the insulation standard may be reduced to class A-0 and a cofferdam is
not required.

11.4.4 The fire protection of fuel pipes led through ro-ro spaces shall be subject to special
consideration by the Administration depending on the use and expected pressure in the
pipes.

11.4.5 The bunkering station shall be separated by A-60 class divisions towards machinery
spaces of category A, accommodation, control stations and high fire risk spaces, except for
spaces such as tanks, voids, auxiliary machinery spaces of little or no fire risk, sanitary and
similar spaces where the insulation standard may be reduced to class A-0.

11.4.6 If an ESD protected machinery spaces is separated by a single boundary, the
boundary shall be of A-60 class division.

11.5 Requirements for fire main

11.5.1 The water spray system required below may be part of the fire main system
provided that the required fire pump capacity and working pressure are sufficient for the
operation of both the required numbers of hydrants and hoses and the water spray system
simultaneously.

11.5.2 When the fuel storage tank(s) is located on the open deck, isolating valves shall be
fitted in the fire main in order to isolate damaged sections of the fire main. Isolation of a
section of fire main shall not deprive the fire line ahead of the isolated section from the
supply of water.

11.6 Requirements for water spray system

11.6.1 A water spray system shall be installed for cooling and fire prevention to cover
exposed parts of fuel storage tank(s) located on open deck.

11.6.1bis The water spray system shall also provide coverage for boundaries of the
superstructures, compressor rooms, pump rooms, cargo control rooms, bunkering control
stations, bunkering stations and any other normally occupied deck houses that face the
storage tank on open decks unless the tank is located [10] metres or more from the
boundaries.
(Note: It is proposed to have a general requirement for water spray system in 10.3 (now 5, but have no subsection
on location and protection) and the details in chapter 11.)

11.6.2 The system shall be designed to cover all areas as specified above with an
application rate of 10 l/min/m
2
for the largest horizontal projected surfaces and 4 l/min/m
2
for
vertical surfaces.

11.6.3 Stop valves shall be fitted in the spray water application main supply line(s), at
intervals not exceeding 40 metres, for the purpose of isolating damaged sections.
Alternatively, the system may be divided into two or more sections that may be operated
independently, provided the necessary controls are located together in a readily accessible
position not likely to be inaccessible in case of fire in the areas protected.
page 89


11.6.4 The capacity of the water spray pump shall be sufficient to deliver the required
amount of water to the hydraulically most demanding area as specified above in the areas
protected.

11.6.5 If the water spray system is not part of the fire main system, a connection to the
ship's fire main through a stop valve shall be provided.

11.6.6 Remote start of pumps supplying the water spray system and remote operation of
any normally closed valves to the system shall be located in a readily accessible position
which is not likely to be inaccessible in case of fire in the areas protected.

11.6.7 The nozzles shall be of an approved full bore type and they shall be arranged to
ensure an effective distribution of water throughout the space being protected.

11.7 Requirements for dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing system

11.7.1 A permanently installed dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing system shall be
installed in the bunkering station area to cover all possible leak points. The capacity shall be
at least 3.5 kg/s for a minimum of 45 s. The system shall be arranged for easy manual
release from a safe location outside the protected area.

11.7.2 In addition to any other portable fire extinguishers that may be required elsewhere in
IMO instruments, one portable dry powder extinguisher of at least 5 kg capacity shall be
located near the bunkering station.

11.8 Requirements for fire detection and alarm system

11.8.1 A fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the Fire Safety Systems
Code shall be provided for the fuel storage hold spaces and the ventilation trunk for fuel
containment system below deck, and for all other rooms of the fuel gas system where fire
cannot be excluded.

11.8.2 Smoke detectors alone shall not be considered sufficient for rapid detection of a fire.


12 EXPLOSION [PREVENTION] [PROTECTION] [AREA CLASSIFICATION]

12.1 Goal

12.1.1 The goal of this chapter is to provide for the prevention of explosions and for the
limitation of effects from explosion.

12.2 Functional requirements

12.2.1 This chapter is related to functional requirements 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.2.5, 3.2.7,
3.2.8, 3.2.12, 3.2.13, 3.2.14 and 3.2.17 of this Code. In particular the following apply:

12.2.1.1 The probability of explosions shall be reduced to a minimum by:

.1 reducing number of sources of ignition; and

.2 reducing the probability of formation of ignitable mixtures.

12.3 General requirements
page 90


12.3.1 Hazardous areas on open deck and other spaces not addressed in this chapter shall
be decided based on a recognized standard
20
. The electrical equipment fitted within
hazardous areas shall be according to the same standard.

12.3.2 Electrical equipment and wiring shall in general not be installed in hazardous areas
unless essential for operational purposes based on a recognized standard
21
.

12.3.3 Electrical equipment fitted in an ESD-protected machinery space shall fulfil the
following:

.1 In addition to fire and gas hydrocarbon detectors and fire and gas alarms,
lighting and ventilation fans shall be certified safe for hazardous area
zone 1; and

.2 All electrical equipment in a machinery space containing gas-fuelled
engines, and not certified for zone 1 shall be automatically disconnected, if
gas concentrations above 40% LEL is detected by two detectors in the
space containing gas-fuelled consumers.

12.4 Area classification

12.4.1 Area classification is a method of analysing and classifying the areas where
explosive gas atmospheres may occur. The object of the classification is to allow the
selection of electrical apparatus able to be operated safely in these areas.

12.4.2 In order to facilitate the selection of appropriate electrical apparatus and the design
of suitable electrical installations, hazardous areas are divided into zones 0, 1 and 2.
22
See
also 12.5 below.

12.4.3 Ventilation ducts shall have the same area classification as the ventilated space.

12.5 Hazardous area zones

12.5.1 Hazardous area zone 0:

12.5.1.1 This zone includes, but is not limited to:

.1 the interiors of gas tanks, any pipework for pressure-relief or other venting
systems for gas tanks, pipes and equipment containing gas.

12.5.2 Hazardous area zone 1
23


12.5.2.1 This zone includes, but is not limited to:


20
Refer to IEC standard 60092-502, part 4.4: Tankers carrying flammable liquefied gases as applicable.
21
The type of equipment and installation requirements should comply with IEC standard 60092-502: IEC
60092-502:1999 Electrical Installations in Ships Tankers Special Features and IEC 60079-10-1:2008
Explosive atmospheres Part 10-1: Classification of areas Explosive gas atmospheres, according to the
area classification.
22
Refer to standards IEC 60079-10-1:2008 Explosive atmospheres Part 10-1: Classification of areas
Explosive gas atmospheres and guidance and informative examples given in IEC 60092-502:1999,
Electrical Installations in Ships Tankers Special Features for tankers.
23
Instrumentation and electrical apparatus installed within these areas should be of a type suitable
for zone 1.
page 91

.1 Tank connection spaces, fuel storage hold spaces
24
and interbarrier
spaces.

.2 gas compressor room and or fuel preparation room arranged with
ventilation according to 13.6;

.3 areas on open deck, or semi-enclosed spaces on deck, within 3 m of any
gas tank outlet, gas or vapour outlet,
25
bunker manifold valve, other gas
valve, gas pipe flange, gas pump-room ventilation outlets and gas tank
openings for pressure release provided to permit the flow of small volumes
of gas or vapour mixtures caused by thermal variation;

.4 areas on open deck or semi-enclosed spaces on deck, within 1.5 m of gas
compressor and pump room entrances, gas pump and compressor room
ventilation inlets and other openings into zone 1 spaces;

.5 areas on the open deck within spillage coamings surrounding gas bunker
manifold valves and 3 m beyond these, up to a height of 2.4 m above the
deck;

.6 enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces in which pipes containing gas are
located, e.g. ducts around gas pipes, semi-enclosed bunkering stations;
and

.7 the ESD-protected machinery space is considered as non-hazardous area
during normal operation, but will require equipment required to operate
following detection of gas leakage to be certified as suitable for zone 1.

.8 a space protected by an airlock is considered as non-hazardous area
during normal operation, but will require equipment required to operate
following loss of differential pressure between the protected space and the
hazardous area to be certified as suitable for zone 1.

.9 an area within 2.4 m of the outer surface of a fuel containment system
where such surface is exposed to the weather.

12.5.3 Hazardous area zone 2
26


12.5.3.1 This zone includes, but is not limited to:

.1 areas within 1.5 m surrounding open or semi-enclosed spaces of zone 1.

13 VENTILATION

13.1 Goal

13.1.1 The goal of this chapter is to provide for the ventilation required for safe operation of
gas-fuelled machinery and equipment.

13.2 Functional requirements


24
Fuel storage hold spaces for type C tanks are normally not considered as zone 1.
25
Such areas are, for example, all areas within 3 m of gas tank hatches, ullage openings or sounding pipes
for gas tanks located on open deck and gas vapour outlets.
26
Instrumentation and electrical apparatus installed within these areas should be of a type suitable
for zone 2.
page 92

13.2.1 This chapter is related to functional requirements 3.2.2, 3.2.5, 3.2.8, 3.2.10, 3.2.12,
3.2.13, 3.2.14 and 3.2.17 of this Code.

13.3 General

13.3.1 Any ducting used for the ventilation of hazardous spaces shall be separate from that
used for the ventilation of non-hazardous spaces. The ventilation shall function at all
temperatures and environmental conditions the ship will be operating in.

13.3.2 Electric motors for ventilation fans shall not be located in ventilation ducts for
hazardous spaces unless the motor is certified for the same hazard zone as the space
served.

13.3.3 Design of ventilation fans serving spaces containing gas sources shall fulfil the
following:

13.3.3.1 Ventilation fans shall not produce a source of vapour ignition in either the
ventilated space or the ventilation system associated with the space.
Ventilation fans and fan ducts, in way of fans only, shall be of non
sparking construction defined as:


.1 impellers or housings of non-metallic material, due regard being
paid to the elimination of static electricity;

.2 impellers and housings of non-ferrous metals;

.3 impellers and housing of austenitic stainless steel;

.4 impellers of aluminium alloys or magnesium alloys and a ferrous
(including austenitic stainless steel) housing on which a ring of
suitable thickness of non ferrous materials is fitted in way of the
impeller, due regard being paid to static electricity and corrosion
between ring and housing; or

.5 any combination of ferrous (including austenitic stainless steel)
impellers and housings with not less than 13 mm tip design
clearance.

13.3.3.2 In no case shall the radial air gap between the impeller and the casing be
less than 0.1 of the diameter of the impeller shaft in way of the bearing but
not less than 2 mm. The gap need not be more than 13 mm.


13.3.3.3 Any combination of an aluminium or magnesium alloy fixed or rotating
component and a ferrous fixed or rotating component, regardless of tip
clearance, is considered a sparking hazard and shall not be used in these
places.


13.3.4 Ventilation systems required to avoid any gas accumulation shall consist of
independent fans, each of sufficient capacity, unless otherwise specified in this Code.

13.3.5 Air inlets for hazardous enclosed spaces shall be taken from areas that, in the
absence of the considered inlet, would be non-hazardous. Air inlets for non-hazardous
enclosed spaces shall be taken from non-hazardous areas at least 1.5 m away from the
page 93

boundaries of any hazardous area. Where the inlet duct passes through a more hazardous
space, the duct shall be gas-tight and have over-pressure relative to this space.

13.3.6 The ventilation inlet for the double wall piping or duct shall always be located in
[open air], away from ignition sources. The inlet opening shall be fitted with a suitable wire
mesh guard and protected from ingress of water.

13.3.7 The capacity of the ventilation for a pipe duct or piping may be below 30 air changes
per hour if a flow velocity of minimum 3 m/s is ensured. The flow velocity shall be calculated
for the duct with fuel pipes and other components installed.

13.3.8 Air outlets from non-hazardous spaces shall be located outside hazardous areas.

13.3.9 Air outlets from hazardous enclosed spaces shall be located in an open area that, in
the absence of the considered outlet, would be of the same or lesser hazard than the
ventilated space.

13.3.10 The required capacity of the ventilation plant is normally based on the total volume
of the room. An increase in required ventilation capacity may be necessary for rooms having
a complicated form.

13.3.11 Non-hazardous spaces with entry openings to a hazardous area shall be arranged
with an air-lock and be maintained at overpressure relative to the external hazardous area.
The overpressure ventilation shall be arranged according to the following requirements:

13.3.11.1 During initial start-up or after loss of overpressure ventilation, before energizing
any electrical installations not certified safe for the space in the absence of pressurization, it
shall be required to:

.1 proceed with purging (at least 5 air changes) or confirm by measurements
that the space is non-hazardous; and

.2 pressurize the space.

13.3.11.2 Operation of the overpressure ventilation shall be monitored and in the event of
failure of the overpressure ventilation:

.1 an audible and visual alarm shall be given at a manned location; and

.2 if overpressure cannot be immediately restored, automatic or programmed,
disconnection of electrical installations according to a recognized
standard
27
shall be required.

13.3.12 Non-hazardous spaces with entry openings to a hazardous enclosed space shall be
arranged with an air-lock and the hazardous space shall be maintained at underpressure
relative to the non- hazardous space. Operation of the extraction ventilation in the hazardous
space shall be monitored and in the event of failure of the extraction ventilation:

.1 an audible and visual alarm shall be given at a manned location; and

.2 if underpressure cannot be immediately restored, automatic or
programmed, disconnection of electrical installations according to a
recognized standard in the non-hazardous space shall be required.

27
Refer to IEC 60092-502:1999 Electrical Installations in Ships Tankers Special Features, table 5.
page 94


13.4 Requirements for tank connection space

13.4.1 The tank connection space shall be provided with an effective mechanical forced
ventilation system of extraction type. A ventilation capacity of at least 30 air changes per
hour shall be provided. The rate of air changes may be reduced if other adequate means of
explosion protection are installed. The equivalence of alternative installations shall be
demonstrated by a safety analysis.

13.4.2 Approved automatic fail-safe fire dampers shall be fitted in the ventilation trunk for
tank connection space.

13.5 Requirements for machinery spaces

13.5.1 The ventilation system for machinery spaces containing gas-fuelled consumers shall
be independent of all other ventilation systems. The ventilation system for double piping and
for gas valve unit spaces in gas safe engine-rooms shall be independent of all other
ventilation systems.
(Note: Move last part to 13.9)

13.5.2 ESD protected machinery spaces shall have ventilation with a capacity of at
least 30 air changes per hour. The ventilation system shall ensure a good air circulation in
all spaces, and in particular ensure that any formation of gas pockets in the room are
detected. As an alternative, arrangements whereby under normal operation the machinery
spaces are ventilated with at least 15 air changes an hour is acceptable provided that, if gas
is detected in the machinery space, the number of air changes will automatically be
increased to 30 an hour.

13.5.2.bis [[For ESD protected machinery spaces] the ventilation arrangements shall provide
sufficient redundancy to ensure a high level of ventilation availability as defined in the
appropriate standard*.]

*Footnote reference to IEC 60092-10-1

[13.5.3 The number and power of the ventilation fans shall be such that the capacity is not
reduced by more than 50% of the total ventilation capacity if a fan with a separate circuit from
the main switchboard or emergency switchboard or a group of fans with common circuit from
the main switchboard or emergency switchboard, is inoperable.]

Or:

[13.5.3 The number and power of the ventilation fans for ESD protected engine-rooms and
for double pipe ventilation systems for gas safe engine-rooms shall be such that the capacity
is not reduced by more than 50% of the total ventilation capacity if a fan with a separate
circuit from the main switchboard or emergency switchboard or a group of fans with common
circuit from the main switchboard or emergency switchboard, is inoperable.]

13.6 Requirements for fuel preparation room, pump and compressor rooms

13.6.1 Fuel preparaton rooms, pump and compressor rooms shall be fitted with effective
mechanical ventilation system of the under pressure type, providing a ventilation capacity of
at least 30 air changes per hour.

13.6.2 The number and power of the ventilation fans shall be such that the capacity is not
reduced by more than 50%, if a fan with a separate circuit from the main switchboard or
page 95

emergency switchboard or a group of fans with common circuit from the main switchboard or
emergency switchboard, is inoperable.

13.6.3 Ventilation systems for fuel preparation rooms, pump and compressor rooms shall
be in operation when pumps or compressors are working.

13.6.4 When the space is dependent on ventilation for its area classification, the following
shall apply:

13.6.4.1 During initial start-up and after the loss of ventilation, the space shall be
purged (at least 5 air changes), before connecting electrical installations which are
not certified for the area classification in the absence of ventilation. Warning notices
to this effect shall be placed in an easily visible location near the control stand.

13.6.4.2 Operation of the ventilation shall be monitored.

13.6.4.3 In the event of failure of ventilation, the following shall apply:

.1 an audible and visual alarm shall be given at a manned location;

.2 immediate action shall be taken to restore ventilation; and


13.7 Bunkering station

[13.7.1 Bunkering stations that are not located on open deck shall be suitably ventilated to
ensure that any vapour being released during bunkering operations will be removed outside.
If the natural ventilation is not sufficient, mechanical ventilation shall be provided.]
(Note: Deletion proposed based on 8.3.1.1.)

[13.7.2 When in accordance with 13.7.1 forced ventilation is fitted, a minimum ventilation
rate of 30 air changes per h is required. Air changes shall be calculated using as reference
volume the volume of the bunker station without following ventilation ducting and assuming
that no equipment is installed.] (Note: Deletion proposed. No clear majority)

13.8 Ducts and double pipes

13.8.1 Ducts and double pipes containing gas piping shall be fitted with effective
mechanical ventilation system of the extraction type, providing a ventilation capacity of at
least 30 air changes per hour. This is not applicable to double pipes in the engine-room if
fulfilling 9.6.1.1.

14 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

14.1 Goal

14.1.1 The goal of this chapter is to provide for electrical installations that minimizes the
risk of [fire and explosion from flammable products][ignition].

14.2 Functional requirements

14.2.1 This chapter is related to functional requirements 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.4, 3.2.7, 3.2.8,
[3.2.11], 3.2.13, 3.2.16 and 3.2.17, [and 3.2.19] of this Code. In particular the following apply:

page 96

14.2.1.1 Electrical generation and distribution systems, and associated control systems, shall
be designed such that a single fault will not result in the loss of ability to maintain fuel tank
storage pressures and hull structure temperature within normal operating limits.

14.3 General requirements

14.3.1 Electrical installation shall be in compliance with a standard at least equivalent to
those acceptable to the Organization
28


14.3.2 Electrical equipment or wiring shall not be installed in hazardous areas unless
essential for operational purposes or safety enhancement.

14.3.3 Where electrical equipment is installed in hazardous areas as provided in 14.3.2 it
shall be selected, installed and maintained in accordance with standards at least equivalent
to those acceptable to the Organization*
29
.
Equipment for hazardous areas shall be evaluated and certified or listed by an accredited
testing authority or notified body recognized by the Administration.

14.3.4 Failure modes and effects of single failure for electrical generation and distribution
systems in 14.2.1.1 shall be analysed and documented to be at least equivalent to those
acceptable to the Organization
30
.

14.3.5 The lighting system in hazardous areas shall be divided between at least two branch
circuits. All switches and protective devices shall interrupt all poles or phases and shall be
located in a non-hazardous area.

14.3.6 The installation on board of the electrical equipment units shall be such as to
ensure the safe bonding to the hull of the units themselves.

14.3.7 Submerged fuel gas pump motors and their supply cables may be fitted in fuel
containment systems. Arrangements shall be made to alarm in low liquid level and
automatically shut down the motors in the event of low-low liquid level. The automatic shut
down may be accomplished by sensing low pump discharge pressure, low motor current, or
low liquid level. This shutdown shall give an audible and visual alarm on the navigation
bridge, continuously manned central control station or onboard safety centre. Fuel gas pump
motors shall be capable of being isolated from their electrical supply during gas-freeing
operations.

(Note: It is proposed to keep only the last sentence here and move the rest to chapter 15.)


15 CONTROL, MONITORING AND SAFETY SYSTEMS

15.1 Goal

15.1.1 The goal with this chapter is to provide for the arrangement of control, monitoring
and safety systems that support an efficient and safe operation of the gas-fuelled installation
as covered in the other chapters of the code.

15.2 Functional requirements

28
Refer to IEC 60092 series standards, as applicable
29
Refer to the recommendation published by the International Electrotechnical Commission, in particular to
publication IEC 60092-502:1999
30
Refer to IEC 60812.
page 97


15.2.1 This chapter is related to functional requirements [3.2.1, 3.2.11, 3.2.13, 3.2.14,
3.2.15, 3.2.17 and 3.2.19 and new proposals for chapter 3]. In particular the following apply:

15.2.1.1 The control, monitoring and safety systems of the gas-fuelled installation shall be
so arranged that the remaining power for propulsion and power generation is in accordance
with 9.3.1 in the event of single failure.

15.2.1.2 A gas safety system shall be arranged to close down the gas supply system
automatically, upon failure in systems essential for the safety philosophy and upon fault
conditions which may develop too fast for manual intervention.

15.2.1.2bis For ESD protected machinery configurations the safety system shall shut down
gas supply upon gas leakage and in addition disconnect all non-safe type equipment in the
machinery space.

15.2.1.3 The safety functions shall be arranged in a dedicated gas safety system that is
independent of the gas control system in order to avoid possible common cause failures.
This includes power supplies and input and output signal.

15.2.1.4 The safety systems including the field instrumentation shall be arranged to avoid
spurious shutdown, e.g. as a result of a faulty gas detector or a wire break in a sensor loop.

15.2.1.5 Where two gas supply systems are required to meet the regulations, each system
shall be fitted with its own set of independent gas control and gas safety systems.

15.3 General requirements

15.3.1 Suitable instrumentation devices shall be fitted to allow a local and a remote reading
of essential parameters to ensure a safe management of the whole fuel-gas equipment
including bunkering.

15.3.2 A bilge well in each tank connection space of an independent liquefied gas storage
tank shall be provided with both a level indicator and a temperature sensor. Alarm shall be
given at high level in bilge well. Low temperature indication shall activate the safety system.

15.3.3 For tanks not permanently installed in the vessel a monitoring system has to be
provided as for permanent installed tanks.

15.4 Requirements for bunkering and gas tank monitoring
(Note: consider temperature monitoring issue)

15.4.1 Level indicators for fuel tanks

.1 Each fuel tank shall be fitted with liquid level gauging device(s), arranged to
ensure a level reading is always obtainable whenever the fuel tank is
operational. The device(s) shall be designed to operate throughout the
design pressure range of the fuel tank and at temperatures within the fuel
operating temperature range.

.2 Where only one liquid level gauge is fitted it shall be arranged so that it can
be maintained in an operational condition without the need to empty or
gas-free the tank.

.3 Fuel tank liquid level gauges may be of the following types:
page 98


.1 indirect devices, which determine the amount of fuel by means such
as weighing or in-line flow metering;

.2 closed devices, which do not penetrate the fuel tank, such as devices
using radio-isotopes or ultrasonic devices;


15.4.2 Overflow control

.1 Each fuel tank shall be fitted with a high liquid level alarm operating
independently of other liquid level indicators and giving an audible and
visual warning when activated.

.2 An additional sensor operating independently of the high liquid level alarm
shall automatically actuate a shutoff valve in a manner that will both avoid
excessive liquid pressure in the bunkering line and prevent the tank from
becoming liquid full.

.3 The position of the sensors in the tank shall be capable of being verified
before commissioning. At first loading, testing of high level alarms shall be
conducted by raising the cargo liquid level in the fuel tank to the alarm
point.

.4 All elements of the level alarms, including the electrical circuit and the
sensor(s), of the high, and overfill alarms, shall be capable of being
functionally tested. Systems shall be tested prior to fuel operation in
accordance with 18.6.2.

.5 Where arrangements are provided for overriding the overflow control
system, they shall be such that inadvertent operation is prevented. When
this override is operated continuous visual indication is to be provided at
the navigation bridge, continuously manned central control station or
onboard safety centre.

15.4.3 The vapour space of each fuel tank shall be provided with a direct reading gauge.
Additionally, an indirect indication is to be provided on the navigation bridge, continuously
manned central control station or onboard safety centre.

15.4.4 The pressure indicators shall be clearly marked with the highest and lowest
pressure permitted in the tank.

15.4.5 A high-pressure alarm and, if vacuum protection is required, a low-pressure alarm
shall be provided on the navigation bridge and at continuously manned central control station
or onboard safety centre. Alarms shall be activated before the set pressures of the safety
valves are reached.

15.4.6 For fuel tanks fitted with PRVs, which can be set at more than one set pressure in
accordance with 8.2.7, high-pressure alarms shall be provided for each set pressure.
(Note: reference to the control station for location of alarms?)

15.4.7 Each fuel pump discharge line and each liquid and vapour fuel manifold shall be
provided with at least one local pressure indicator.

page 99

15.4.8 Local-reading manifold pressure indicator shall be provided to indicate the pressure
between ship's manifold valves and hose connections to the shore.

15.4.9 Hold spaces and interbarrier spaces without open connection to the atmosphere
shall be provided with pressure indicator.

15.4.10 At least one of the pressure indicators provided shall be capable of indicating
throughout the operating pressure range.

15.5 Requirements for bunkering control

15.5.1 Control of the bunkering shall be possible from a safe location remote from the
bunkering station. At this location the tank pressure and tank level shall be monitored.
Remotely controlled valves required by 9.5.5 and 11.6.6 shall be capable of being operated
from this location Overfill alarm and automatic shutdown shall also be indicated at this
location.

15.5.2 If the ventilation in the ducting enclosing the bunkering lines stops, an audible and
visual alarm shall be provided at the bunkering control location, see also 15.8.

15.5.3 If gas is detected in the ducting around the bunkering lines an audible and visual
alarm and emergency shut-down shall be provided at the bunkering control location.


15.6 Requirements for gas compressor monitoring

15.6.1 Gas compressors shall be fitted with audible and visual alarms both on the
navigation bridge and in the engine-room. As a minimum the alarms shall include low gas
input pressure, low gas output pressure, high gas output pressure and compressor
operation.

15.6.2 Temperature monitoring for the bulkhead shaft glands and bearings required in 8.9.1
shall be provided, which automatically give a continuous audible and visual alarm on the
navigation bridge or in a continuously manned central control station.

15.7 Requirements for gas engine monitoring

15.7.1 Additional to the instrumentation provided in accordance with SOLAS chapter II-1,
Part C, indicators shall be fitted on the navigation bridge, the engine control room and the
manoeuvring platform for:

.1 operation of the engine in case of gas-only engines; or

.2 operation and mode of operation of the engine in the case of dual fuel
engines.

15.8 Requirements for gas detection

15.8.1 Permanently installed gas detectors shall be fitted in :

.1 the tank connection spaces
.2 in all ducts around gas pipes
.3 in machinery spaces containing gas piping, gas equipment or gas
consumers
.4 compressor rooms and fuel preparation rooms
page 100

.5 other enclosed spaces containing gas piping or other gas equipment
without ducting
.6 other enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces where fuel vapours may
accumulate including interbarrier spaces and hold spaces of
independent tanks other than type C
.7 air locks
.8 gas heating circuit expansion tanks
.9 motor rooms associated with the fuel systems
.10 At ventilation inlets to accommodation and machinery spaces if
required based on the risk assessment required in 4.2.1.

15.8.2 In each ESD-protected machinery space, a redundant gas detection systems shall
be provided.

15.8.3 The number of detectors in each space shall be considered taking into account the
size, layout and ventilation of the space.

15.8.4 The detection equipment shall be located where gas may accumulate and in the
ventilation outlets. Gas dispersal analysis or a physical smoke test shall be used to find the
best arrangement.

15.8.5 Gas detection equipment shall be designed, installed and tested in accordance
with a recognized standard
31
.

15.8.6 An audible and visible alarm shall be activated at a gas vapour concentration of
20% of the lower explosion limit (LEL). The safety system shall be activated at 40% of LEL
at two detectors (see footnote 1 in table 1).

15.8.7 For ventilated ducts around gas pipes in the machinery spaces containing
gas-fuelled engines, the alarm limit can be set to 30% LEL. The safety system shall be
activated at 60% of LEL at two detectors (see footnote 1 in table 1).

15.8.8 Audible and visible alarms from the gas detection equipment shall be located on the
navigation bridge or in the continuously manned central control station.

15.8.9 Gas detection required by this section shall be continuous without delay.

15.9 Requirements for fire detection

15.9.1 Required safety actions at fire detection in the machinery space containing
gas-fuelled engines and rooms containing independent tanks for fuel storage [fuel
containments systems] are given in table 1 below.
(Note: It is proposed to add one more column to Table 1 entitled 'Ventilation Stop and Fire Damper Close, either
automatic or simple action'.

15.10 Requirements for ventilation

15.10.1 Any loss of the required ventilating capacity shall give an audible and visual alarm
on the navigation bridge or in a continuously manned central control station or safety centre.

15.10.2 For ESD protected machinery spaces the safety system shall be activated upon loss
of ventilation in engine-room.


31
IEC 60079-29-1 Explosive atmospheres Gas detectors Performance requirements of detectors for
flammable detectors.
page 101

15.11 Safety functions of gas supply systems

15.11.1 The total loss of ventilation in a machinery space for a single fuelled gas system
shall, additionally to what is given in table 1, lead to one of the following actions:

.1 for a gas electric propulsion system with more than one machinery space:
Another engine shall start. When the second engine is connected to
bus-bar, the first engine shall be shutdown automatically;

.2 for a direct propulsion system with more than one machinery space: The
engine in the room with defect ventilation shall be manually shutdown, if at
least 40% propulsion power is still available after such a shutdown; and

.3 if only one machinery space for gas-fuelled engines is fitted and ventilation
in one of the enclosed ducts around the gas pipes is lost, the master gas
fuel and double block and bleed valves in that supply line shall close
automatically provided the other gas supply unit is ready to deliver.

15.11.2 If the gas supply is shut off due to activation of an automatic valve, the gas supply
shall not be opened until the reason for the disconnection is ascertained and the necessary
precautions taken. A readily visible notice giving instruction to this effect shall be placed at
the operating station for the shut-off valves in the gas supply lines.

15.11.3 If a gas leak leading to a gas supply shutdown occurs, the gas fuel supply shall not
be operated until the leak has been found and dealt with. Instructions to this effect shall be
placed in a prominent position in the machinery space.

15.11.4 A signboard shall be permanently fitted in the machinery space containing
gas-fuelled engines stating that heavy lifting, implying danger of damage to the gas pipes,
shall not be done when the engine(s) is running on gas.

15.11.5 Compressors, pumps and fuel gas supply shall be arranged for manual remote
emergency stop from the following locations as applicable:

.1 navigation bridge;

.2 cargo control room;

.3 onboard safety centre;

.4 engine control room;

.5 fire control station; and

.6 adjacent to the exit of gas compressor or fuel handling rooms
The gas compressor shall also be arranged for manual local emergency stop.

Table 1. Monitoring of gas supply system to engines

Parameter Alarm Automatic
shutdown
of main
tank valve
Automatic
shutdown of
gas supply
to
machinery
space
containing
Comments
page 102

gas-fuelled
engines
Gas detection in tank
connection space at 20%
LEL
X
Gas detection on two
detectors
1)
in tank
connection space at 40%
LEL
X X
Fire detection in fuel
storage hold space
X X
Bilge well high level tank
connection space
X
Bilge well low temperature
in tank connection space
X X
Gas detection in duct
between tank and
machinery space
containing gas-fuelled
engines [and in ducting
surrounding gas pipes] at
20% LEL

X

Note: ensure correct
requirements for fuel lines vs.
other gas pipes
Gas detection on two
detectors
1)
in duct
between tank and
machinery space
containing gas-fuelled
engines [and in ducting
surrounding gas pipes] at
40% LEL

X

X
2)


Note: ensure correct
requirements for fuel lines vs.
other gas pipes
Gas detection in
compressor room and or
fuel preparation room at
20% LEL

X

Gas detection on two
detectors
1)
in compressor
room and or fuel
preparation room at 40%
LEL

X

X
2)


Gas detection in duct
inside machinery space
containing gas-fuelled
engines at 30% LEL

X
If double pipe fitted in
machinery space
containing gas-fuelled
engines
Gas detection on two
detectors
1)


in duct inside
machinery space
containing gas-fuelled
engines at 60% LEL

X

X
3)

If double pipe fitted in
machinery space
containing gas-fuelled
engines
Gas detection in
machinery space
containing gas-fuelled
engines at 20% LEL

X
Gas detection only
required for ESD
protected machinery
space
Gas detection on two
detectors
1)
in machinery

X

X
Gas detection only
required for ESD
page 103

space containing gas-
fuelled engines at 40%
LEL
protected machinery
space containing
gas-fuelled engines.
It should also disconnect
non certified safe
electrical equipment in
machinery space
containing gas-fuelled
engines
Loss of ventilation in duct
between tank and
machinery space
containing gas-fuelled
engines
6)


X

X
2)4)


Loss of ventilation in duct
inside machinery space
containing gas-fuelled
engines
6)


X

X
3)4)

If double pipe fitted in
machinery space
containing gas-fuelled
engines
Loss of ventilation in
machinery space
containing gas-fuelled
engines

X

X
ESD protected
machinery space
containing gas-fuelled
engines only
Fire detection in
machinery space
containing gas-fuelled
engines

X



Abnormal gas pressure in
gas supply pipe

X

X
4)


Failure of valve control
actuating medium
X X
5)
Time delayed as found
necessary
Automatic shutdown of
engine (engine failure)

X

X
5)


Manually activated
emergency shutdown of
engine

X

X

1) Two independent gas detectors located close to each other are required for redundancy reasons. If the gas detector is of
self monitoring type the installation of a single gas detector can be permitted.

2) If the tank is supplying gas to more than one engine and the different supply pipes are completely separated and fitted in
separate ducts and with the master valves fitted outside of the duct, only the master valve on the supply pipe leading into
the duct where gas or loss of ventilation is detected is to close.

3) If the gas is supplied to more than one engine and the different supply pipes are completely separated and fitted in
separate ducts and with the master valves fitted outside of the duct and outside of the machinery space containing gas-
fuelled engines, only the master valve on the supply pipe leading into the duct where gas or loss of ventilation is detected is
to close.

4) This parameter is not to lead to shutdown of gas supply for single fuel gas engines, only for dual fuel engines.

5) Only double block and bleed valves to close.

6) If the duct is protected by inert gas (see 2.7.1) then loss of inert gas overpressure is to lead to the same actions as given
in this table.


page 104

A-2
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPS
USING ETHYL OR METHYL ALCOHOL AS FUEL


1 In addition to Part A, the following paragraphs of Part A-1 apply to ships using ethyl
or methyl alcohol as fuel:

Subject Paragraphs Comments
Material and general
pipe design
5.1, 5.2.
Power generation 6.1, 6.2..
Fuel storage 7.1, 7.2..
Fuel supply to
consumers
8.1, 8.2
Bunkering 9.1, 9.2
Ship design and
arrangements
10.1, 10.2 See additional
requirements 2.1
below
Fire safety 11.1, 11.2..
Explosion protection 12.1, 12.2.
Ventilation 13.1, 13.2.
Electrical installation 14.1, 14.2.
Control, monitoring
and safety systems
15.1, 15.2.

2 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPS USING ETHYL OR METHYL ALCOHOL AS FUEL:

2.1 Containment for low-flashpoint liquids

Definitions (comments move to 2.2)

Independent tank means a fuel-containment envelope, which is not contiguous with, or part
of, the hull structure. An independent tank is built and installed so as to eliminate whenever
possible (or in any event to minimize) its stressing as a result of stressing or motion of the
adjacent hull structure. An independent tank is not essential to the structural completeness of
the ship's hull.

Integral tank means a fuel-containment envelope which forms part of the ship's hull and
which may be stressed in the same manner and by the same loads which stress the
contiguous hull structure and which is normally essential to the structural completeness of
the ship's hull.

Gravity tank means a tank having a design pressure not greater than 0.07 MPa gauge at the
top of the tank. A gravity tank may be independent or integral. A gravity tank shall be
constructed and tested according to recognized standards, taking account of the temperature
of carriage and relative density of the cargo.

2.1.1 Requirements

2.1.1.1 Tanks for low-flashpoint liquids shall be surrounded by cofferdams acting as
secondary barriers.

page 105

2.1.1.2 Piping systems in tanks and their cofferdams shall have no connections with piping
systems in the rest of the ship, apart from fuel pipes which shall be arranged as specified in
other parts of this Code.

2.1.1.3 The cofferdam shall be arranged in one of the following ways:

- With gas detection and possibility for water filling upon detection of leakage.
The water filling shall be through a system without permanent connections to
water systems in safe areas. Emptying shall be done with a separate system.
Bilge ejectors serving hazardous spaces shall not be permanently connected
to the drive water system.

- Permanently water filled with arrangements as above

2.1.1.4 Access to tanks and cofferdams shall be direct from open deck and such as to
ensure their complete inspection.

2.1.1.5 For access through horizontal openings, hatches or manholes, the dimensions shall
be sufficient to allow a person wearing a self-contained air-breathing apparatus and
protective equipment to ascend or descend any ladder without obstruction and also to
provide a clear opening to facilitate the hoisting of an injured person from the bottom of the
space. The minimum clear opening shall be no less than 600 by 600 mm.

2.1.1.6 For access through vertical openings, or manholes providing passage through the
length and breadth of the space, the minimum clear opening shall be not less than 600 mm
by 800 mm at the height of not more than 600 mm from the bottom shell plating unless
gratings or other footholds are provided.

2.1.1.7 Smaller dimensions may be approved by the Administration in special
circumstances, if the ability to traverse such openings or to remove an injured person can be
provided to the satisfaction of the Administration.

2.2 Entrance to pump room

2.2.1 Entrance to fuel pump rooms shall be from open deck. [Air lock access] [Access
from an enclosed space or from the open deck through an air lock] may be accepted upon
special considerations. As a minimum, continuous gas detection and ventilation of the space
will be required.

2.2.3 Pressure relief systems for low-flashpoint liquid fuel tanks

2.2.3.1 Tanks for low-flashpoint liquids shall be fitted with a breathing system for relief of
pressure and vacuum. Such breathing shall be through pressure/ vacuum relief valves.

(Note: Controlled venting system as per IBC Code should be required for low-flashpoint fuel tank storage. The
appropriate requirements of IBC Ch 8 should be included in this paragraph 7.7.2.)

From part A-1, 6.5.2 For liquids low-flashpoint [liquid] fuels or gases heavier than air the
drainage of spills into a separate collection system shall be ensured. The collection system
shall be equipped with gas detection and if necessary liquid level sensors.
page 106

PART B

[16 MANUFACTURE, WORKMANSHIP AND TESTING

16.1 General

16.1.1 The manufacture, testing, inspection and documentation shall be in accordance with
recognized standards and the specific requirements given in this Code.

16.2 Testing

16.2.1 Testing during construction

16.2.1.1 All liquefied gas fuel tanks and process pressure vessels shall be subjected to
hydrostatic or hydro-pneumatic pressure testing in accordance with 7.4.10.1 to 7.4.15.4, as
applicable for the tank type.

16.2.1.2 All tanks shall be subject to a tightness test which may be performed in
combination with the pressure test referred to in 7.4.14.3.1.

16.2.1.3 The gas tightness of the fuel containment system with reference to 7.3.3 shall be
tested.

16.2.1.4 Requirements with respect to inspection of secondary barriers shall be decided by
the Recognized Organization in each case, taking into account the accessibility of the barrier.
See also 7.4.4.2

16.2.1.5 The Administration may require that for ships fitted with novel Type B independent
tanks, or tanks designed according to 7.4.16.1 at least one prototype tank and its support
shall be instrumented with strain gauges or other suitable equipment to confirm stress levels
during the testing required in 7.4.14.3.1. Similar instrumentation may be required for Type C
independent tanks, depending on their configuration and on the arrangement of their
supports and attachments.

16.2.1.6 The overall performance of the liquefied gas fuel containment system shall be
verified for compliance with the design parameters during the first full loading and
discharging of the liquefied gas fuel, in accordance with the survey procedure and
requirements in 2.4 and the requirements of the Recognized Organization. Records of the
performance of the components and equipment, essential to verify the design parameters,
shall be maintained and be available to the Administration.

16.2.1.7 The liquefied gas fuel containment system shall be inspected for cold spots during
or immediately following the first loaded voyage. Inspection of the integrity of thermal
insulation surfaces that cannot be visually checked shall be carried out in accordance with
the requirements of the Recognized Organization.

16.2.2 Type A tanks

16.2.2.1 All Type A independent tanks shall be subjected to a hydrostatic or
hydropneumatic test. This test shall be performed such that the stresses approximate, as far
as practicable, the design stresses, and that the pressure at the top of the tank corresponds
at least to the MARVS. When a hydropneumatic test is performed, the conditions should
simulate, as far as practicable, the design loading of the tank and of its support structure
including dynamic components, while avoiding stress levels that could cause permanent
deformation.
page 107


16.2.3 Type B tanks

16.2.3.1 Type B independent tanks shall be subjected to a hydrostatic or hydropneumatic
test as follows:

The test shall be performed as required in 17.2.2.1 for Type A independent
tanks
in addition, the maximum primary membrane stress or maximum bending stress
in primary members under test conditions shall not exceed 90% of the yield
strength of the material (as fabricated) at the test temperature. To ensure that
this condition is satisfied, when calculations indicate that this stress exceeds
75% of the yield strength the prototype test shall be monitored by the use of
strain gauges or other suitable equipment.

16.2.4 Type C tanks

16.2.4.1 Each pressure vessel shall be subjected to a hydrostatic test at a pressure
measured at the top of the tanks, of not less than 1.5 Po. In no case during the pressure test
shall the calculated primary membrane stress at any point exceed 90% of the yield stress of
the material. To ensure that this condition is satisfied where calculations indicate that this
stress will exceed 0.75 times the yield strength, the prototype test shall be monitored by the
use of strain gauges or other suitable equipment in pressure vessels other than simple
cylindrical and spherical pressure vessels.

16.2.4.2 The temperature of the water used for the test shall be at least 30C above the nil-
ductility transition temperature of the material, as fabricated.

16.2.4.3 The pressure shall be held for 2 hours per 25 mm of thickness, but in no case less
than 2 hours.

16.2.4.4 Where necessary for liquefied gas fuel pressure vessels, a hydro-pneumatic test
may be carried out under the conditions prescribed in 16.2.4.1. to 16.2.4.3.

16.2.4.5 Special consideration may be given to the testing of tanks in which higher
allowable stresses are used, depending on service temperature. However, the requirements
of 7.4.15.3.6.1 shall be fully complied with.

16.2.4.6 After completion and assembly, each pressure vessel and its related fittings shall
be subjected to an adequate tightness test, which may be performed in combination with the
pressure testing referred to in 16.2.4.1.

16.2.4.7 Pneumatic testing of pressure vessels other than liquefied gas fuel tanks shall only
be considered on an individual case basis. Such testing shall only be permitted for those
vessels designed or supported such that they cannot be safely filled with water, or for those
vessels that cannot be dried and are to be used in a service where traces of the testing
medium cannot be tolerated.

16.2.5 Membrane tanks

16.2.5.1 Design development testing

16.2.5.1.1 The design development testing required in 7.4.15.4.1.2 shall include a series of
analytical and physical models of both the primary and secondary barriers, including corners
and joints, tested to verify that they will withstand the expected combined strains due to
page 108

static, dynamic and thermal loads. This will culminate in the construction of a prototype
scaled model of the complete liquefied gas fuel containment system. Testing conditions
considered in the analytical and physical model shall represent the most extreme service
conditions the liquefied gas fuel containment system will be likely to encounter over its life.
Proposed acceptance criteria for periodic testing of secondary barriers required in 7.4.4.2 is
to be based on the results of testing carried out on the prototype scaled model.

16.2.5.1.2 The fatigue performance of the membrane materials and representative welded
or bonded joints in the membranes shall be determined by tests. The ultimate strength and
fatigue performance of arrangements for securing the thermal insulation system to the hull
structure shall be determined by analyses or tests.

16.2.5.2 Testing

17.2.5.3 In ships fitted with membrane liquefied gas fuel containment systems, all tanks and
other spaces that may normally contain liquid and are adjacent to the hull structure
supporting the membrane, shall be hydrostatically tested. All hold structures supporting the
membrane shall be tested for tightness before installation of the liquefied gas fuel
containment system. Pipe tunnels and other compartments that do not normally contain
liquid need not be hydrostatically tested.

16.3 Gas piping systems

16.3.1 The requirements for testing shall apply to gas piping inside and outside the gas
tanks. However, relaxation from these requirements may be accepted for piping inside gas
tanks and open ended piping.

16.3.2 Welding procedure tests shall be required for gas piping and be similar to those
required for gas tanks in the IGC Code paragraph 6.3.3. Unless otherwise [especially]
agreed with the Administration, the test requirements shall be in accordance with 17.6 below.

16.3.2bis Approval requirements for piping components, such as Type Approval or type
testing needs to be included. Prototype testing for bellows and cryogenic valves needs to be
suitably covered.
(Note: Needs to be reworded. It is proposed to include references to the standard referred in
SIGTTO's publication on Cryogenic Valves. I will need those references)

16.4 Welding, post-weld heat treatment and non-destructive testing
(Note: Need look at the references.)

16.4.1 General

Welding shall be carried out in accordance with 6.5.

16.4.2 Post-weld heat treatment

Post-weld heat treatment shall be required for all butt welds of pipes made with carbon,
carbon-manganese and low alloy steels. The Recognized Organization may waive the
requirements for thermal stress relieving of pipes with wall thickness less than 10 mm in
relation to the design temperature and pressure of the piping system concerned.

16.4.3 Non destructive testing

page 109

In addition to normal controls before and during the welding, and to the visual inspection of
the finished welds, as necessary for proving that the welding has been carried out correctly
and according to the requirements of this paragraph, the following tests shall be required:

.1 100% radiographic or ultrasonic inspection of butt-welded joints for piping
systems with; design temperatures colder than 10C, or with inside
diameters of more than 75 mm, or wall thicknesses greater than 10 mm.

.2 When such butt welded joints of piping sections are made by automatic
welding procedures approved by the Recognized Organization, then a
progressive reduction in the extent of radiographic or ultrasonic inspection
can be agreed, but in no case to less than 10% of each joint. If defects are
revealed the extent of examination shall be increased to 100% and shall
include inspection of previously accepted welds. This approval can only be
granted if well-documented quality assurance procedures and records are
available to assess the ability of the manufacturer to produce satisfactory
welds consistently.

.3 For other butt-welded joints of pipes not covered by 5.9.3.1 and 5.9.3.2,
spot radiographic or ultrasonic inspection or other non-destructive tests
shall be carried out depending upon service, position and materials. In
general, at least 10% of butt-welded joints of pipes shall be subjected to
radiographic or ultrasonic inspection.

16.5 Testing Requirements

16.5.1 Type testing of piping components

16.5.1.1 Valves

Each type of piping component shall be subject to the following type tests:

.1 Each size and type of valve shall be subjected to seat tightness testing over
the full range of operating pressures and temperatures, at intervals, up to
the rated design pressure of the valve. During the testing satisfactory
operation of the valve shall be verified.

.2 The flow or capacity shall be certified to a recognized standard for each
size and type of valve.

.3 Pressurized components shall be pressure tested to at least 1.5 times the
rated pressure.

.4 For emergency shutdown valves, with materials having melting
temperatures lower than 925C, the type testing shall include a fire test to a
standard* *acceptable to the Administration.

.5 Type testing of emergency shutdown valves used in liquid cargo piping
systems shall include demonstration of closing characteristics in
accordance with 18.10.2.1.3.

16.5.1.2 Expansion bellows

page 110

The following type tests shall be performed on each type of expansion bellows intended for
use on cargo piping outside the cargo tank and where required by the Recognized
Organization, on those installed within the cargo tanks:

.1 Elements of the bellows, not pre-compressed, shall be pressure tested at
not less than five times the design pressure without bursting. The duration
of the test shall not be less than five minutes.

.2 A pressure test shall be performed on a type expansion joint, complete with
all the accessories such as flanges, stays and articulations, at the minimum
design temperature and twice the design pressure at the extreme
displacement conditions recommended by the manufacturer without
permanent deformation.

.3 A cyclic test (thermal movements) shall be performed on a complete
expansion joint, which shall withstand at least as many cycles under the
conditions of pressure, temperature, axial movement, rotational movement
and transverse movement as it will encounter in actual service. Testing at
ambient temperature is permitted when this testing is at least as severe as
testing at the service temperature.

.4 A cyclic fatigue test (ship deformation) shall be performed on a complete
expansion joint, without internal pressure, by simulating the bellows
movement corresponding to a compensated pipe length, for at
least 2,000,000 cycles at a frequency not higher than 5 Hz. This test is only
required when, due to the piping arrangement, ship deformation loads are
actually experienced.

16.5.1.3 The Administration may waive performance of the tests specified in 16.5.1.2
provided that complete documentation is supplied to establish the suitability of the expansion
joints to withstand the expected working conditions. When the maximum internal pressure
exceeds 1 bar, this documentation shall include sufficient tests data to justify the design
method used, with particular reference to correlation between calculation and test results.

16.5.2 System testing requirements

16.5.2.1 The requirements of this section apply to piping inside and outside the fuel tanks.

16.5.2.2 After assembly, all fuel piping shall be subjected to a strength test with a suitable
fluid. The test pressure is to at least 1.5 times the design pressure (1.25 times the design
pressure where the test fluid is compressible) for liquid lines and 1.5 times the maximum
system working pressure (1.25 times the maximum system working pressure where the test
fluid is compressible) for vapour lines. When piping systems or parts of systems are
completely manufactured and equipped with all fittings, the test may be conducted prior to
installation on board the ship. J oints welded on board shall be tested to at least 1.5 times the
design pressure.

16.5.2.3 After assembly on board, the fuel piping system shall be subjected to a leak test
using air, or other suitable medium to a pressure depending on the leak detection method
applied.

16.5.2.4 In double wall fuel gas piping systems the outer pipe or duct shall also be pressure
tested to show that it can withstand the expected maximum pressure at gas pipe rupture.

page 111

16.5.2.5 All piping systems, including valves, fittings and associated equipment for handling
fuel or vapours, shall be tested under normal operating conditions not later than at the first
bunkering operation, in accordance with the requirements of the Recognized Organization.]

16.6 Other test requirements
(Note:Having included test requirements from the IGC-Code, do we need 17.6 and if so all of it?)

16.6.1 Tensile tests: Generally, tensile strength shall not be less than the specified
minimum tensile strength for the appropriate parent materials. The Administration may also
require that the transverse weld tensile strength shall not be less than the specified tensile
strength for the weld metal, where the weld metal has a lower tensile strength than that of the
parent metal. In every case, the position of fracture shall be reported for information.

16.6.2 Bend tests: No fracture shall be acceptable after a 180 bend over a former of a
diameter four times the thickness of the test piece, unless otherwise specially required or
agreed with the Administration.

16.6.3 Charpy V-notch impact tests: Charpy tests shall be conducted at the temperature
prescribed for the base material being joined. The results of the weld impact tests, minimum
average energy (E), shall be no less than 27 J . The weld metal requirements for sub-size
specimens and sinlge energy values shall be in accordance with the IGC Code
paragraph 6.1.4. The results of fusion line and heat affected zone impact tests shall show a
minimum average energy (E) in accordance with the transverse or longitudinal requirements
of the base material, whichever applicable, and for sub-size specimens, the minimum
average energy (E) shall be in accordance with the IGC Code paragraph 6.1.4. If the
material thickness does not permit machining either full-sized or standard sub-size
specimens, the testing procedure and acceptance standards shall be in accordance with
recognized standards. Impact testing is not required for piping with thickness less than 6
mm.]

page 112

PART C

[17 Training and operational requirements

17.1 Goal of part

17.2 Functional requirements

17.3 Training requirement

17.3.1 The whole operational crew of a cargo- or a passenger ship using fuel addressed by
this code shall have necessary training in gas-related safety, operation and maintenance
prior to the commencement of work on board. Additionally, crew members with a direct
responsibility for the operation of fuel-related equipment on board shall receive special
training. The company shall document that the personnel have acquired the necessary
knowledge and that this knowledge is maintained at all times.

Or

17.3.1 Personnel shall be adequately trained in the operational and safety aspects of
handling fuels covered by this Code as required by the STCW Convention, the ISM Code
and the Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG). As a minimum:
(Note: Currently no related training requirements in STCW Convention)

.1 All personnel shall be adequately trained in the use of protective equipment
provided on board and have basic training in the procedures, appropriate to
their duties, necessary under emergency conditions.

.2 Officers shall be trained in emergency procedures to deal with conditions of
leakage, spillage or fire involving the fuel and a sufficient number of them
shall be instructed and trained in essential first aid for the fuel carried.]

17.3.2 Gas-related emergency exercises shall be conducted at regular intervals. Safety
and response systems for the handling of defined hazards and accidents shall be reviewed
and tested.

17.3.3 A training manual shall be developed and a training programme and exercises shall
be specially designed for each individual vessel and its gas installations.
32


[17.4 General (Note: 17.4-17.6 to be deleted based on STW feedback)

(Note: STW has been requested to consider matters related to training. For the time being
the text is kept awaiting the feedback from the STW Sub-Committee)

17.4.1 The training on gas-fuelled ships is divided into the following categories:

.1 category A: Basic training for the basic safety crew;

.2 category B: Supplementary training for deck officers; and

.3 category C: Supplementary training for engineer officers.


32
Reference is made to Resolution A.1050(27) "Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces
Aboard Ships".
page 113

17.5 Category A training

17.5.1 The goal of the category A training shall provide the basic safety crew with a basic
understanding of the gas in question as a fuel, the technical properties of liquid and
compressed gas, explosion limits, ignition sources, risk reducing and consequence reducing
measures, and the rules and procedures that must be followed during normal operation and
in emergency situations.

17.5.2 The general basic training required for the basic safety crew is based on the
assumption that the crew does not have any prior knowledge of gas, gas engines and gas
systems. The instructors shall include one or more of the suppliers of the technical gas
equipment or gas systems, alternatively other specialists with in-depth knowledge of the gas
in question and the technical gas systems that are installed on board.

17.5.3 The training shall consist of both theoretical and practical exercises that involve gas
and the relevant systems, as well as personal protection while handling liquid and
compressed gas. Practical extinguishing of gas fires shall form part of the training, and shall
take place at an approved safety centre.

17.6 Categories B and C training

17.6.1 Deck and engineer officers shall have gas training beyond the general basic
training. Category B and category C training shall be divided technically between deck and
engineer officers, which shall be determined by the Company's training manager and the
ship's Senior Management team.

17.6.2 Those ordinary crew members who are to participate in the actual bunkering work,
as well as gas purging, or are to perform work on gas engines or gas installations, etc., shall
participate in all or parts of the training for categories B and C. The Company and [the
Master] [the ship's Senior Management team] are responsible for arranging such training
based on an evaluation of the concerned crew member's job instructions/area of
responsibility on board.

17.6.3 The instructors used for such supplementary training shall be the same as outlined
for category A.

17.6.4 All gas-related systems on board shall be reviewed. The ship's maintenance
manual, gas supply system manual and manual for electrical equipment in explosion
hazardous spaces and zones shall be used as a basis for this part of the training.

17.6.5 This regulation shall be regularly reviewed by the Company and onboard Senior
Management team as part of the SMS system. Risk analysis shall be emphasized, and any
risk analysis and sub-analyses performed shall be available to course participants during
training.

17.6.6 If the ship's own crew will be performing technical maintenance of gas equipment,
the training for this type of work shall be documented.

17.6.7 The Master and the Chief engineer officer shall give the basic safety crew on board
their final clearance prior to the entry into service of the ship. The clearance document shall
only apply to gas-related training, and it shall be signed by both the Master/Chief engineer
officer and the course participant. The clearance document for gas-related training may be
integrated in the ship's general training programme, but it shall be clearly evident what is
regarded as gas-related training and what is regarded as other training.
page 114

17.6.8 The training requirements related to the gas system shall be evaluated in the same
manner as other training requirements on board at least once a year. The training plan shall
be evaluated at regular intervals.]

[17.7 Maintenance (Note: To be further considered)

17.7.1 A special maintenance manual shall be prepared for the gas supply system on
board.

17.7.2 The manual shall include maintenance procedures for all technical gas-related
installations, and shall comply with the recommendations of the suppliers of the equipment.
The intervals for and the extent of the replacement/approval of gas valves shall be
established. The maintenance procedure shall specify who is qualified to carry out
maintenance.

17.7.3 A special maintenance manual shall be prepared for electrical equipment that is
installed in explosion hazardous spaces and areas. The inspection and maintenance of
electrical installations in explosion hazardous spaces shall be performed in accordance with
a recognized standard.(footnote: Refer to IEC 60079 17:2007 Explosive atmospheres
Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and maintenance)

17.7.4 Any personnel that shall carry out inspections and maintenance of electrical
installations in explosion hazardous spaces, shall be qualified [pursuant to IEC 60079-17,
item 4.2.]"

18 [OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS (BUNKERING OPERATIONS AND/OR OTHER
OPERATIONS]

18.1 Goal

18.1.1 The goal of this chapter is to ensure that operational procedures for the loading,
storage, [operation], maintenance, and inspection of systems for gas or low flash point fuels
minimize the risk to personnel, the ship and the environment and that are consistent with
practices for a conventional oil fuelled ship whilst taking into account the nature of the liquid
or gaseous fuel.
18.2 Functional requirements

18.2.1 This chapter relates to the functional requirements of 5.3.1.3, 7.3.13, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6,
10.7, 15.9.14, 18.4, 18.5 and 18.6 of this Code. In particular the following apply:
18.2.1.1 A copy of this Code, or national regulations incorporating the provisions of
this Code, shall be on board every ship covered by this Code
18.2.1.2 The operational procedures shall ensure fuel connection and disconnection of
transfer system to minimize risk of liquid release, reduces the release of cargo vapour to the
atmosphere to an absolute minimum and keeps thermal stresses within design limits.
18.2.1.3 Records of the sulfur content of gas fuels loaded shall be maintained on
board as required by MARPOL Annex VI (2009), Regulation 19/4.
18.2.1.4 The ship shall be provided with a suitably detailed fuel transfer manual, approved
by the Administration, such that trained personnel can safely operate the fuel loading,
page 115

discharge, storage and transfer systems. This manual shall be a controlled document under
the ISM code. The contents of the manual shall include but is not limited to:
.1 Overall operation of the ship from dry-dock to dry-dock, including procedures
for system cooldown and warm-up, bunker loading and, where appropriate,
discharging, sampling, inerting and gas freeing
.2 Bunker temperature and pressure control and alarm and safety systems
.3 System limitations, cool down rates and maximum [fuel storage] tank
temperatures prior to loading bunkering, including minimum cargo fuel
temperatures, maximum tank pressures, transfer rates, filling limits and
sloshing limitations.
.4 Operation of inert gas systems
.5 Fire-fighting and emergency procedures: operation and maintenance of fire
fighting systems and use of extinguishing agents
.6 Specific fuel properties and special equipment needed for the safe handling of
the particular fuel
.7 Fixed and portable gas detection
.9 Emergency shutdown and emergency release systems, where fitted
.10 A fuel system schematic / [piping and instrumentation diagram] P&ID shall be
reproduced and permanently mounted in the vessels bunker control station
and at the bunker station.

18.3 Requirements for bunkering operations

18.3.1 Responsibilities

18.3.1.1 The responsibility and accountability for the safe conduct of the bunkering operation
are jointly shared between the Master of the receiving vessel and the Master of the
bunkering vessel or representative of the bunker station. Before the bunkering operation
commences, the Master of the receiving vessel or his representative and the representative
of the supplier shall:
1. Agree in writing the transfer procedure, including cooling down and if necessary,
gassing up; the maximum transfer rate at all stages and volume to be transferred.
2. Agree in writing action to be taken in an emergency
3. Complete and sign the bunker safety check-list.

The Person in Charge (PIC) of bunkering operations shall have evidence of completion of
training required by [Chapter 17.4.1.2 or 17.4.1.3 of the Code] [..of the STCW Convention].
18.3.2 Pre-bunkering Tests

Prior to conducting bunkering operations, pre-bunkering tests including, but not limited to the
following, shall be carried out and documented in the bunker safety checklist:
1. All Communications methods, including ship shore link (SSL), if fitted
2. Operation of fixed Gas and fire detection equipment
3. Operation and calibration of portable gas detection equipment
4. Where fitted, ESD systems tested and proved operational in both cold and warm
condition; automatic ESD from SSL and remote manual ESD tested
5. Operation of remote controlled valves (Note: shore delivery facilities are outside the scope of the
Code)
page 116

Documentation of successful testing shall be indicated by the mutually agreed and executed
bunkering safety checklist signed by both PICs.
(Note: It is commented that the proposed list of tests is too extensive as pre-bunkering tests for each bunkering
and is more suited for an annual check. A pre-bunkering check list to confirm that relevant equipment is mobilized
and working and that required procedures are followed should be sufficient.)
18.3.3 Ship-Bunkering Facility Communications

Communications shall be maintained between the vessel PIC and the delivering facility PIC
at all times during the bunkering operation. In the event that communications cannot be
maintained, bunkering shall stop and not resume until communications are restored.
Communication devices used in bunkering shall comply with recognized standards for such
devices acceptable to the Administration
PICs shall have direct and immediate communication with all personnel involved in the
bunkering operation, which shall be demonstrated and confirmed during pre-bunkering
testing and documented in the bunkering safety check list.
Where a ship shore link (SSL)or equivalent link to a delivering facility is provided for
automatic ESD communications, the link shall conform to the recognized standards of the
Administration, shall be compatible with the receiving vessel and delivering facility ESD
system and be tested and proved operational prior to the commencement of bunkering.
18.3.4 Electrical Bonding

(Note: It is propose to delete text SB in 18.3.4 as the text states technical requirement for an insulating flange
instead of an operational requirement) (Electrical grounding of the ship and shore facility is an operational issue
and should remain in this section. The technical requirement for the use of an insulating flange on the shore
bunkering line is outside the scope of the Code and can be deleted. This technical requirement will be covered by
the recognized standard API RP 2003, ISGOTT: International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals and
ICS Tanker Safety Guide Liquefied Gas)

Hoses, transfer arms, piping and fittings provided by the delivering facility used for bunkering
shall be electrically continuous, suitably insulated and shall provide a level of safety
compliant with recognized standards.
18.3.5 Conditions for Transfer

Warning signs shall be posted at the access points to the bunkering area listing fire safety
precautions during fuel transfer.
During the transfer operation, personnel in the bunkering manifold area shall be limited to
essential staff only. All staff engaged in duties or working in the vicinity of the operations shall
wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). A failure to maintain the required
conditions for transfer shall be cause to stop operations and transfer shall not be resumed
until all required conditions are met.
[Where bunkering is to take place via the installation of portable tanks, the procedure shall
provide an equivalent level of safety as integrated fuel tanks and systems. Portable tanks
shall be filled prior to loading on board the vessel and shall be properly secured prior to
connection to the fuel system.]
page 117

18.4 Requirements for enclosed space entry

18.4.1 Under normal operational circumstances, personnel shall not enter fuel tanks, fuel
storage hold spaces, void spaces, tank connection spaces or other enclosed spaces where
gas or flammable vapors may accumulate, unless the gas content of the atmosphere in such
space is determined by means of fixed or portable equipment to ensure oxygen sufficiency
and absence of an explosive atmosphere
33
.
18.4.2 If it is necessary to gas-free and aerate a fuel storage hold space surrounding a Type
A gas fuel tank for routine inspection and the tank contains liquefied gas fuel, the inspection
shall be conducted when the tank contains the minimum amount of fuel to keep the tank
cold. The fuel storage hold space shall be re-inerted as soon as the inspection is completed.
18.4.3 Personnel entering any space designated as a hazardous area shall not introduce
any potential source of ignition into the space unless it has been certified gas-free and
maintained in that condition.
18.5 Requirements for Inerting and purging of fuel systems

18.5.1 The primary objective in inerting and purging of fuel systems is to prevent the
formation of a combustible atmosphere in, near or around fuel system piping, tanks,
equipment and adjacent spaces.
18.5.2 Procedures for inerting and purging of fuel systems shall ensure that air is not
introduced into piping or a tank containing gas atmospheres and that gas is not introduced
into air contained in enclosures or spaces adjacent to fuel systems.
(Note: Section 9.1 of the IGC Code requires a piping system for cargo tanks to be gas-freed. It also permits the
inert gas to be provided by a shore facility as earlier proposed. There is no equivalent requirement in the IGF
Code; however, this process is needed for periodic survey. As an alternative, IGC Chapter 9 should be
incorporated in Chapter 6: Fuel Containment Systems of the draft IGF Code.)
18.6 Hot work on or near fuel systems

18.6.1 Hot work in the vicinity of fuel tanks, fuel piping and insulation systems that may be
flammable, contaminated with hydrocarbons or that may give off toxic fumes as a product of
combustion shall only be undertaken after the area has been made and proven safe for hot
work and all approvals have been obtained.




33
Refer to Resolution A.1050(27) Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships
page 118

PART X

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE ON DOCUMENTATION
(Note: It is proposed to have requirements for documentation for all types of machinery. Either under each section
or as a separate section I do not think time permits this but we should decide on having the documentation
requirements for fuel cells under a separate fuel cell section)

x.1 Documentation for fuel cell installations

x.1.1 For ships where fuel cells are part of the power production for propulsion or other
important consumers an overall description of the propulsion and power installation and
operating philosophy for all relevant operating modes shall be submitted for information.

x.1.2 A failure mode and effect analysis shall be conducted for the ship, taking all safety
aspects in relation to the fuel cell installation into account.
34
This document shall be
submitted for approval.

x.1.3 Plans and particulars for the fuel cell shall be submitted for approval. This is
typically to include:

o fuel cell principles
o functional description
o arrangement drawings of the fuel cell including dimensions, materials, operating
temperatures, pressures, weights
o strength calculations of pressure containing components, or test reports
o documentation of compliance with environmental conditions, including
calculations or test reports
o voltage and current levels in different parts of the cell
o maintenance plan (replacement of stack etc.)
o earthing principles
o safety devices with set points
o documentation of life time and availability, e.g. deterioration rate curve or similar.
o A failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) examining all possible faults affecting
the processes in the fuel cells shall be submitted for approval, together with a test
program for verification of the main conclusions from the FMEA.
o The power deterioration rate for the fuel cell shall be documented through
analysis or test results, and shall consider different power levels and different
modes of operation.
o Test programme
35


x.1.4 For ships where the fuel cell power is used for essential, important or emergency
services the reliability and availability shall be documented through analysis, complemented
with results from development testing, as well as full scale testing.

x.1.5 For ships where the fuel cell power is not used for essential, important or
emergency users a failure mode and effect analysis for the control, monitoring and safety
systems for the whole installation including the support and supply systems shall be
submitted for approval, together with a test program for verification of the main conclusions
from the FMEA.
***

34
The safety aspects in this connection are for instance explosion hazards, fire effects from the fuel cell itself
or from the fuel cell support systems. If a fuel cell is connected to the grid any potential hazards affecting
the ship's total power system should be included.

35
The test programme can be based on the IEC standard 62282-3-1 "Stationary fuel cell power systems-
Safety", but will also have to take the environmental and operating conditions in a ship into account.