SOLAS amendments on inert gas systems for low-flash point cargoes agreed in principle

The draft amendments to SOLAS regulations II-2/1 and 4 will require an inert gas system to be fitted on new oil and chemical tankers of 8,000 dwt and above but below 20,000 dwt, transporting low-flash point cargoes (cargoes having a flashpoint less than 60°C). The draft amendments will be further discussed at the next session, before submission to the MSC. 

The Sub-Committee also established a correspondence group to further review requirements for inert gas systems in other IMO instruments.

The development of the SOLAS amendments follows intensive work in recent years, based on the recommendations of an Inter-Industry Working Group (IIWG), which was established to study incidents of fires and explosions on chemical and product tankers. The IIWG reported to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at its 81st session, in May 2006, and a number of issues were referred to the Sub-Committee.

The IIWG had concluded that a failure to follow procedures was the primary cause of the incidents in question but also recommended that, as an additional safety measure, the MSC give consideration to amending SOLAS to provide for the application of inert gas to new chemical tankers and new product tankers of less than 20,000 dwt.

The IIWG included the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the International Chamber of Shipping Limited (ICS), the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO), the International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA), the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the International Group of P&I Clubs.