THE UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has been making rules for LNG ships for others using low flashpoint fuel such as methane.
Gas fuel code for ships may be adopted by IMO states next yearTHE UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has been making rules for LNG ships for others using low flashpoint fuel such as methane.
Known as the international gas as fuel code (IGF), it has now been agreed, and, once circulated among the IMO member states, will probably be adopted when the Maritime Safety Committee meets next summer, reports Lloyd's List.
The IGF code is expected to come into force in July 2017. This comes as the number of vessels capable of using LNG as a marine fuel continues to rise as owners either order vessels with the capability to be retrofitted to use the fuel at a later date, or built with the capability from delivery.
Further work on the use of methanol will continue, led by Sweden, after Stena Line announced it will convert one of its ferries to become the first methane-fuelled vessel.
Crew training on LNG fuel use and bunkering operations has been discussed at the IMO with new recommendations set to be included into an amendment to the crew and officers working on gas-powered ships.