GC39

GC39 Interpretation of 2014 IGC Code (MSC.370(93),GC39(Sep 2023)(cont)as amended) Paragraphs 11.3.1, 11.4.1, 11.4.3
and 18.10.3.2 w.r.t additional bunkering
manifold equipment fitted on L.N.G. Bunkering
Ships
2014 IGC Code Paragraph 11.3.1 states:
11.3

Water-spray system

11.3.1 On ships carrying flammable and/or toxic products, a water-spray system, for cooling,fire prevention and crew protection shall be installed to cover:.1 exposed cargo tank domes, any exposed parts of cargo tanks and any part of cargo tankcovers that may be exposed to heat from fires in adjacent equipment containing cargo such as
exposed booster pumps/heaters/re-gasification or re-liquefaction plants, hereafter addressed
as gas process units, positioned on weather decks;.2 exposed on-deck storage vessels for flammable or toxic products;.3 gas process units positioned on deck;.4 cargo liquid and vapour discharge and loading connections, including the presentation flange
and the area where their control valves are situated, which shall be at least equal to the areaof the drip trays provided;.5 all exposed emergency shut-down (ESD) valves in the cargo liquid and vapour pipes,including the master valve for supply to gas consumers;.6 exposed boundaries facing the cargo area, such as bulkheads of superstructures anddeckhouses normally manned, cargo machinery spaces, storerooms containing high fire-risk
items and cargo control rooms. Exposed horizontal boundaries of these areas do not require
protection unless detachable cargo piping connections are arranged above or below.
Boundaries of unmanned forecastle structures not containing high fire-risk items or equipment
do not require water-spray protection;.7 exposed lifeboats, liferafts and muster stations facing the cargo area, regardless of distanceto cargo area; and.8 any semi-enclosed cargo machinery spaces and semi-enclosed cargo motor room.
Ships intended for operation as listed in 1.1.10 shall be subject to special consideration (see11.3.3.2).

Note:
1.
This UI is to be uniformly implemented by IACS Societies for vessels contracted forconstruction on or after 1 July 2024.
2.
The “contracted for construction” date means the date on which the contract to build
the vessel is signed between the prospective owner and the shipbuilder. For further details
regarding the date of “contract for construction”, refer to IACS Procedural Requirement (PR)No. 29.
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IACS Int. 2023

GC39GC39(cont)2014 IGC Code Paragraph 11.4.1 states:
11.4

Dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing systems

11.4.1 Ships in which the carriage of flammable products is intended shall be fitted with fixed
dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing systems, approved by the Administration based on theguidelines developed by the Organization*, for the purpose of firefighting on the deck in thecargo area, including any cargo liquid and vapour discharge and loading connections on deckand bow or stern cargo handling areas, as applicable.
*Refer to the Guidelines for the approval of fixed dry chemical powder fire-extinguishingsystems for the protection of ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk (MSC.1/Circ.1315/Rev.1)
2014 IGC Code Paragraph 11.4.3 states:
11.4

Dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing systems

11.4.3 The dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing system shall be designed with not less than
two independent units. Any part required to be protected by 11.4.2 shall be capable of being
reached from not less than two independent units with associated controls, pressurizing
medium fixed piping, monitors or hand hose lines. For ships with a cargo capacity of less than
1,000 m3, only one such unit need be fitted. A monitor shall be arranged to protect any
load/unload connection area and be capable of actuation and discharge both locally andremotely. The monitor is not required to be remotely aimed, if it can deliver the necessary
powder to all required areas of coverage from a single position. One hose line shall be provided
at both port- and starboard side at the end of the cargo area facing the accommodation andreadily available from the accommodation.
.
2014 IGC Code Paragraph 18.10.3.2 states:
18.10.3.2 The ESD system shall be automatically activated on detection of a fire on the weather
decks of the cargo area and/or cargo machinery spaces. As a minimum, the method of
detection used on the weather decks shall cover the liquid and vapour domes of the cargotanks, the cargo manifolds and areas where liquid piping is dismantled regularly. Detection maybe by means of fusible elements designed to melt at temperatures between 98°C and 104°C,
or by area fire detection methods.
Interpretation
1. Due to the specifics of liquefied gas bunkering ships, some of these vessels may
be provided with additional cargo transfer equipment including transfer loading arms,bunkering booms, transfer hoses, reducers, spool pieces and transfer hoses reels. Thisadditional equipment can be installed in different locations around the ship.
2. When in use, this additional cargo transfer equipment shall comply, whereappropriate, with the requirements of paragraphs 11.3.1.4, 11.3.1.5, 11.4.1, 11.4.3 and18.10.3.2 of the IGC Code for fire detection and fire protection in the cargo area (suchas fusible elements, ESD functionality, water spray system protection, dry chemical
powder fire-extinguishing systems and drip trays) including hull protection from low
temperatures.
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