scope:

Scope and Application

This Guide has been developed to provide guidance for the design, construction, and survey of vessels utilizing gas as a fuel. The Guide is focused on systems and arrangements provided for the safe use of gas for propulsion and auxiliary systems. The Guide is for application to gas fueled ship types other than those falling under the scope of the IGC Code and associated ABS requirements for Vessels Intended to Carry Liquefied Gases in Bulk under Part 5C, Chapter 8 of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels (Steel Vessel Rules). The prime movers may use either a single fuel (gas) or dual fuel (gas and fuel oil) and the gas may be stored and distributed as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The use of other fuel types will be subject to special consideration.

The use of natural gas as fuel in ships other than LNG carriers is not covered by international conventions. However, the installations will still be subject to approval by the Flag Administrations. The Interim Guidelines on Safety for Natural Gas-Fuelled Engine Installations in Ships (hereinafter referred to as Interim Guidelines) were adopted by International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution MSC.285(86) on 1 June 2009 which invites governments to apply the Interim Guidelines to gas fueled ships other than those covered by the IGC Code.

Where appropriate, this Guide has been aligned with the aforementioned Interim Guidelines.

This Guide is to be applied to both new construction and existing vessel conversions, regardless of size, utilizing natural gas as fuel.