IMO: Unified interpretation of requirements in the IGF Code for fuel preparation rooms not located on an open deck

The International Maritime Organization has published the unified interpretation of requirements in the IGF Code for fuel preparation rooms not located on an open deck.

This circular (MSC.1/Circ.1667) was issued on 27 June 2023.

The Maritime Safety Committee, at its 107th session (31 May to 9 June 2023), with a view to providing more specific guidance for the application of the relevant requirements of the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), approved unified interpretations of the IGF Code, prepared by the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers, at its eighth session, as set out in the annex.

Member States are invited to use the annexed unified interpretation as guidance when applying the relevant provisions of the IGF Code and to bring them to the attention of all parties concerned.

Design of fuel preparation rooms not located on an open deck (section 5.8)

The following interpretation provides clarification on applying certain tank connection space requirements to the design of a fuel preparation room not located on an open deck in compliance with the IGF Code, section 5.8.

Access Arrangements and Associated Hazardous Areas (sections 5.11.3 and 12.5.3.2):

• a. The bolted hatch requirement in 5.11.3 and the associated Zone 2 hazardous area requirement in 12.5.3.2 do not apply to a fuel preparation room located below deck unless that space can also be defined as a tank connection space using the definition in 2.2.15.3.
• b. A fuel preparation room opening into another enclosed space on the ship, which is a non-hazardous space, is required to be fitted with an airlock according to 5.11.2.
• c. A fuel preparation room with direct access onto an open deck, or to a semi-enclosed space on deck, does not require an airlock. In the absence of an airlock, the area outside the door will be classified as a hazardous area according to 12.5.2.4 and 12.5.3.1.

Bilge Well Requirements (section 15.3.2):

• The bilge well requirements in 15.3.2 only apply to a fuel preparation room located below deck if that fuel preparation room handles fuel in its liquid phase.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

UNIFIED INTERPRETATION OF REQUIREMENTS IN THE IGF CODE FOR FUEL PREPARATION ROOMS NOT LOCATED ON AN OPEN DECK