New Draft ICF Code

The draft International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or other Low Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), as well as proposed amendments making the Code mandatory under SOLAS, has been agreed upon by the inaugural session of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC1).

What is the IGF Code?

The IGF Code is designed to give mandatory provisions for the installation, arrangement, control and monitoring of equipment, machinery and systems that use low flashpoint fuels, with the goal of minimizing risk to the ship, its crew, and the environment.The Code addresses areas that need special consideration for the use of such fuels, and the approach is goal-based. Goals and requirements for each section form the basis for the construction, design and operation of vessels using this type of fuel.

What vessels are affected?

It has been agreed that the new Code will apply to both new ships as well as those vessels converting from conventional fuel to the use of gases or low-flashpoint fuels, on or later than the date of the Code’s entry into force. The Code will not apply to cargo ships of less than 500 gross tonnage; however, the Code could apply to these vessels on a voluntary basis.

The draft SOLAS amendments and IGF Code will be submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee in November for approval with an eye toward subsequent adoption.

New work plan developed

Because the draft Code focuses on the specific requirements for vessels using LNG as a first step, the Sub-Committee also agreed upon a work plan for the next developmental phase of the IGF Code. The IGF Correspondence Group was re-established to further develop the following:

• Guidelines for vessels that use methyl or ethyl alcohol as fuel
• Procedures for fuel cells for inclusion in the IGF Code
• Measures for vessels using low-flashpoint diesel or oil for inclusions in the IGF Code

Other items considered at the Session:

• Informative material related to CTU Code Agreed
• IMSBC Code Amendments Agreed
• Draft Amendments to IMSBC Code on “Harmful to the Marine Environment” Developed
• Amendments to the CSS Code Agreed
• Next Set of IMDG Code Amendments Initiated
• Development of ACEP Database Continued

You can find more details and further discussion on the IMO’s website.