IMO revises guidelines for high manganese steel in cryogenics

Eda Zenic -

The International Maritime Organization issued a circular with revised guidelines on the application of high manganese austenitic steel for cryogenic service.

  • Owing to the growing global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an environment-friendly energy source and the increased construction and operation of LNG-fueled ships, the Maritime Safety Committee, at its ninety-sixth session (11 to 20 May 2016), agreed on the need to ensure that cargo and fuel tanks of LNG carriers and LNG-fueled ships are safe. Consequently, it tasked the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers with addressing this matter by developing amendments to the IGC and IGF Codes to include high manganese austenitic steel for cryogenic service.
  • The Maritime Safety Committee, at its 100th session (3 to 7 December 2018), acknowledging the increasing use of high manganese austenitic steel by the industry for cryogenic service and the need for guidance in this respect, approved the Interim Guidelines on the Application of High Manganese Austenitic Steel for Cryogenic Service (MSC.1/Circ.1599).
  • The Maritime Safety Committee, at its 102nd session (4 to 11 November 2020), approved the Revised Interim Guidelines (MSC.1/Circ.1599/Rev.1), which were prepared by the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers at its sixth session (9 to 13 September 2019).
  • The Maritime Safety Committee, at its 105th session (20 to 29 April 2022), approved the Revised Guidelines (MSC.1/Circ.1599/Rev.2), which were prepared by the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers at its seventh session (6 to 10 September 2021).
  • The Maritime Safety Committee, at its 108th session (15 to 24 May 2024), approved the Revised Guidelines, as set out in the annex, which include modifications to the application and Appendix 2, prepared by the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers at its ninth session (20 to 29 September 2023).
  • The Committee agreed to keep the Revised Guidelines under review, taking into account operational experience gained with their application.
  • Member States are invited to bring the Revised Guidelines to the attention of all parties concerned.
  • This circular supersedes MSC.1/Circ.1599/Rev.2.