ClassNK has issued Technical Information TEC-1061 to inform about additional requirements of portable gas detectors for existing vehicle carriers carrying motor vehicles with compressed hydrogen or natural gas in their tanks as fuel.
Resolution MSC.365 (93) was adopted in ninety-third session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 93) held on May 2014, and requirements for vehicle carriers carrying motor vehicles with compressed hydrogen or natural gas in their tanks as fuel was newly added in SOLAS Chapter II-2 Regulation 20-1.
As additional requirement for existing ships carrying these vehicles on or after 1 January 2016, it is only required for these ships to provide portable gas detectors.
“Existing ships” means vehicle carriers which are constructed (keel-laid) before 1 January 2016. (Vehicle carriers which are constructed (keel-laid) on or after 1 January 2016 shall comply with all requirement of SOLAS Chapter II-2 Regulation 20-1 including the requirement of portable gas detectors.)
- At least two portable gas detectors shall be provided for existing ships carries motor vehicles with compressed hydrogen or natural gas in their tanks as fuel on or after 1 January 2016.
- Portable gas detectors shall be suitable for the detection of the gas fuel and be of a certified safe type for use in the explosive gas and air mixture.
- ClassNK surveyors will confirm that the ships comply with above requirements at the periodical survey carried out on or after 1 January 2016.
Source: ClassNK
