Japanese classification society ClassNK has published the third version of its Guidelines for Gas Fuelled Ships. The updated version provides comprehensive, up-to-date information on key design features relating to bunkering, hull structure, fire safety, and explosion prevention measures.
As restrictions on sulfur emissions within ECAs tightened to 0.1% on January 1, 2015 amid stronger calls for a greener shipping industry, the attention has turned to the potential of natural gas as a sulfur-free, cleaner alternative to liquid fuel oil.
Abundant shale gas reserves and recent developments in non-conventional energy resources have also led to an increase in gas fuelled newbuildings and projects.
For this reason, the IMO accelerated its discussions of the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) in order to extend safety regulations to this growing part of the industry.
The IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) approved in principle the draft of the IGF Code during a meeting held at the IMO in November.