scope:

Introduction

General

Classification (1 May 2009)

In accordance with 1-1-3/3 of the ABS Rules for Conditions of Classification and 5C-8-1/1 of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels (the Rules), the classification notation ✠A1 Liquefied Gas Carrier with Independent Tanks, SH, SHCM is to be assigned to vessels designed for the carriage of liquefied gases, and built to the requirements of this Guide and other relevant sections of the Rules.

Optional Class Notation for Design Fatigue Life (1 May 2009)

Vessels designed and built to the requirements in this Guide are intended to have a structural fatigue life of not less than 20 years. Where a vessel's design calls for a fatigue life in excess of the minimum design fatigue life of 20 years, the optional class notation FL (year) is to be assigned at the request of the applicant. This optional notation is eligible provided the excess design fatigue life is verified to be in compliance with the criteria in Appendix A3 "Rule-based Fatigue Strength Assessment." Only one design fatigue life value is published for the entire structural system. Where differing design fatigue life values are intended for different structural elements within the vessel, the (year) refers to the least of the varying target lives. The 'design fatigue life' refers to the target value set by the applicant, not the value calculated in the analysis.

The notation FL (year) denotes that the design fatigue life assessed according to Appendix A3 "Rule-based Fatigue Strength Assessment" is greater than the minimum design fatigue life of 20 years. The (year) refers to the fatigue life equal to 25 years or more (in 5-year increments) as specified by the applicant. The fatigue life will be identified in the Record by the notation FL (year); e.g., FL(30) if the minimum design fatigue life assessed is 30 years.