scope:

Scope and Application

This Guide is for optional application to ship types other than those falling under the scope of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) and the ABS requirements under Part 5C, Chapter 8 of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels (Marine Vessel Rules) and burning their cargo as fuel. It applies to vessels burning conventional fuels but having design features suitable to permit conversion at a future date to a particular gas or other low flashpoint fuel burning concept based on existing Class requirements.

Note:

ABS will consider application of the "Alternative Fuel Ready" program and notations of this Guide to ships falling under the scope of the IGC Code on a case-by-case basis, provided such proposals are arranged in accordance with the requirements of the IGC Code and 5C-8 of the Marine Vessel Rules and with agreement of the flag Administration.

The requirements for the design and construction of all features of systems proposed for vessels using gases or other low flashpoint fuels are established in Part 5C, Chapter 13 of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels (Marine Vessel Rules). It is to be noted that compliance with the applicable edition of the Marine Vessel Rules in force at the time the "Alternative Fuel Ready" service is provided does not guarantee compliance with the later edition of the Marine Vessel Rules that may be applicable at the time the future conversion to a gas or other low flashpoint fueled ship is actually undertaken.

It is also recognized that at the time of the conversion of a vessel, the arrangements and installations will still be subject to approval by the flag Administrations and the flag Administration may implement the IMO or flag Administration's requirements in effect at the time of conversion.

This Guide is to be applied to both new construction and existing vessel conversions utilizing gases or other low flashpoint fuels as fuel, regardless of size.

This Guide may be applied to vessels considering all gases or other low flashpoint fuels as fuel covered by the IGF Code, as incorporated in Part 5C, Chapter 13 of the Marine Vessel Rules, including, but not limited to:

● Natural Gas (CNG)

● Natural Gas (LNG)

● Ethane

● LPG

● Dimethyl Ether (DME)

● Methanol

● Ethanol

● Hydrogen

● Ammonia