Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) has considerably revised the Rules for Classification and Construction of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk, Sergey Sotskov, Principal Specialist, LNG Marine Transportation and Storage Technology Department, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, said at the 3rd “LNG Fleet and LNG Bunkering in Russia” conference held by PortNews Media Group (22 October 2019, Moscow).
In the new version of the Rules, Part IV “Cargo Containment” (in the version of 2016 – “Cargo Tanks”) has been completely revised to meet the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code).
Basing on the unified interpretation of МАКО GC23 (July 2018), it specifies requirements for heating systems. The “Membrane Tanks” section has been supplemented with requirements for the determination of dynamic loads on the walls from the cargo sloshing.
In cooperation with Gaztransport & Technigaz, the Rules for Technical Supervision during Construction of Ships and Manufacture of Materials and Products for Ships have been supplemented with the list of components for membrane tanks fully complying with GTT specifications.
Besides, the document covers international standards for companies engaged in testing the tightness of the membrane system operation including acoustic-emission, thermographic and vacuum testing of the primary and secondary barriers.
The nearest plans of RS is to expand the range of additional class signs for gas carriers and LNG-powered ships; introduction of three-stage system for approval of membrane systems for LNG containment; further strengthening of cooperation between RS and Gaztransport & Technigaz; development of RS competence in containment and transportation of LNG.
The conference was organized by Russia’s leading media group PortNews with the assistance of RF Ministry of Industry and Trade and Russian Chamber of Shipping. PAO Gazprom was the General Partner of the conference.