Application of Inert Gas to Oil Tankers of less than 20,000 dwt and to Chemical Tankers

The fifty-fifth session of the IMO's  Fire Protection Sub-Committee met during the last week of July 2011 and progressed the development of provisions for the application of inert gas to new oil tankers under 20,000 dwt and new chemical tankers carrying low flash cargoes.   

After considerable discussion it was agreed that the lower size limit for the application of inert gas should be 8,000 dwt.  A small but vocal minority had initially advocated application to all SOLAS tankers (i.e. from 500 grt upwards) and then agreed to compromise on 5,000 dwt, but by the close of discussions there was a clear majority in favour of 8,000 dwt as the lower limit.

In addition to the SOLAS equivalency clause that allows for alternative installations, the SOLAS amendments will include a clause allowing for equivalency arrangements for vessels of less than 20,000 dwt.   This is means that such vessels will be able to use shore-supplied inert gas rather than install an inert gas system, where appropriate.

In consideration of concerns expressed about the potential for increased congestion at loadports, the Sub-Committee further agreed that chemical tankers should be allowed to apply inert gas on completion of loading but before commencement of discharge and agreed text for a SOLAS amendment in this regard.

The text of all proposed SOLAS amendments can be found in the Members' Area.  It should be noted that these amendments still need to be agreed by the Maritime Safety Committee when it meets in May 2012 and all provisions should be considered as provisional until then.

With consequential amendments being needed to a number of other IMO instruments, such as the Fire Safety Systems Code, we believe that the earliest date for entry into force of these provisions would be January 2015.

IPTA members will be kept advised of developments.