GC13GCGC
1313(Jan2008)(cont)(Rev.1Mar 2016)(Rev.2May 2019)(Rev.3Aug 2023)

Verifications before and after the first loaded
voyageInterpretation of paragraphs 4.20.3.5, 4.20.3.6, 4.20.3.7, 5.13.2.5 and 13.3.5 of theInternational Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquid Gases in
Bulk (IGC Code), as amended by Res. MSC.370(93), in relation to how to carry out theverifications and examinations required during the first full loading and discharging of thecargo.
- paragraph 4.20.3.5 states:
The overall performance of the cargo containment system shall be verified for compliancewith the design parameters during the first full loading and discharging of the cargo, inaccordance with the survey procedure and requirements in 1.4 and the requirements of theAdministration or recognized organization acting on its behalf. Records of the performance ofthe components and equipment essential to verify the design parameters, shall be maintained
and be available to the Administration.
- paragraph 4.20.3.6 states:
Heating arrangements, if fitted in accordance with 4.19.1.5 and 4.19.1.6, shall be tested forrequired heat output and heat distribution.

Note:
1.

This Unified Interpretation is to be applied by all Members and Associates to ships
whose keels are laid, or which are at a similar stage of construction, on or after the 1July 2008.

2.

Rev.1 is to be applied by IACS Members to ships whose keels are laid, or which are ata similar stage of construction, on or after 1 July 2016.

3.

Rev.2 is to be applied by IACS Members to ships whose keels are laid, or which are ata similar stage of construction, on or after 1 July 2020.

4.

Rev.3 is to be applied by IACS Members to ships whose keels are laid, or which are ata similar stage of construction, on or after 1 January 2024.

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GC13GC
13(cont)- paragraph 4.20.3.7 states:
The cargo containment system shall be inspected for cold spots during, or immediatelyfollowing, the first loaded voyage. Inspection of the integrity of thermal insulation surfaces thatcannot be visually checked shall be carried out in accordance with recognized standards.
- paragraph 5.13.2.5 states:
All piping systems, including valves, fittings and associated equipment for handling cargo orvapours, shall be tested under normal operating conditions not later than at the first loading
operation, in accordance with recognized standards.
- paragraph 13.3.5 states:
The position of the sensors in the tank shall be capable of being verified before
commissioning. At the first occasion of full loading after delivery and after each dry-docking,testing of high-level alarms shall be conducted by raising the cargo liquid level in the cargotank to the alarm point.
Interpretation
The verifications and examinations to be carried out as indicated on the above paragraphs
shall be interpreted as follows:
Application
This UI applies to all ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk.
Certification
The following initial certificates shall be “conditionally” issued at delivery subject tosatisfactory completion of all required verifications and examinations, as applicable:
1.

Classification Certificate

2.

International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk

Note: The conditions may either be stated on the Classification Certificate or issued as aCondition of Class in the ship’s Record.
Survey requirements
Surveyor attendance is required at the first cargo loading and first cargo unloading.
Surveyor attendance during new building gas trials can be considered to comply with thebelow applicable verifications and examinations survey requirements, with the exceptions of
the survey requirements marked (**).1
Verifications and examinations at gas trials or first full cargo loading, as applicable tocargo containment system
Note: When attending at first full cargo loading, priority shall be given to latter stages ofloading;••verify the satisfactory functionality of the emergency shutdown system during testing;satisfactory operation of gas detection system;
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GC13GC
13(cont)

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satisfactory operation of cargo tank pressure monitoring system;
satisfactory operation of inter barrier space(s) and insulation space(s) pressure
monitoring system, as applicable;
satisfactory operation of cargo tank temperature monitoring system;
satisfactory operation of cargo tank level indicating system;
satisfactory operation of inter barrier space(s) and inner hull temperature monitoring
system, as applicable;
inert gas generator, if operating;nitrogen generating plant, if operating;nitrogen pressure control system for insulation, inter-barrier, and annular spaces, asapplicable;
reliquefaction plant, if fitted;
equipment fitted for the burning of cargo vapours such as boilers, engines, gas
combustion units, etc., if operating;examination of on-deck cargo piping systems including expansion and supporting
arrangements;
verification and examination of all piping systems, including valves, fittings andassociated equipment for handling cargo or vapours;2
advise Master to carry out cold spot examination of the hull and external insulation
during transit voyage to unloading port and record in ship’s logbook; andadvise Master to test high-level alarm(s) with liquid cargo during voyage and record in
ship’s logbook, when loading condition permits.

Verifications and examinations at gas trials or first full cargo unloading, as applicable
Note: When attending at first full cargo unloading, priority shall be given to thecommencement of unloading.
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examination of on-deck cargo piping systems including expansion and supporting
arrangements;
review logbook entry of emergency shutdown system testing prior to commencementof unloading;(**) review cargo logs and alarm reports for cargo tank pressure, temperature, andlevel indicating systems;
satisfactory operation of cargo compressors;
satisfactory operation of cargo pumps;
inert gas generator, if operating;nitrogen generating plant, if operating;nitrogen pressure control system for insulation, inter-barrier, and annular spaces, asapplicable;(**) review of records for satisfactory operation of the reliquefaction plant, if fitted;
review of records for equipment fitted for the burning of cargo vapours such as boilers,engines, gas combustion units, etc.;(**) on ships fitted with membrane tanks, review records of the cofferdam and innerhull temperature sensors to verify the readings are not below the allowabletemperature for the selected grade of steel;(**) cofferdam heating system, if in operation;(**) review logbook entries for cold spot examination; and(**) review logbook entry for testing of high-level alarm(s) with liquid cargo. If cargoconditions did not permit testing, surveyor to require testing at the first occasion wherecargo conditions allow for testing. Master to be advised to record testing in ship’slogbook which is to be verified no later than the first annual survey.

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GC13GC
13(cont)

Documentation to be requested to the MasterTo demonstrate satisfactory functionality of the verifications, ship’s Master shall be required
to arrange and provide to the surveyor print outs or screen shots showing:••

trends of cargo tanks pressure and temperature;• trends of pressure and temperature distribution of inter-barrier space(s) andinsulation space(s), and temperature distribution of inner hull, as applicable;• trends record of performance of cofferdam heating system, when fitted;• trends record of consumption of nitrogen gas, and whether any abnormality has
been observed;
list of any gas alarms, if occurred:• Cargo Tanks Containment System Cold Spot Inspection Statement; and• activation of Cargo Tanks High-Level Alarm and Overfill Protection tests.

Note 1: The symbol (**) indicates survey requirements only feasible to be carried out at thetime of first full cargo loading/unloading.
Note 2: Each Classification Society is to ensure that any additional verifications are required
to meet own Classification requirements.

End ofDocument

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