Can the IBC code amendment 2020 be turned into an advantage?

By January 2021, a revised code for carrying chemical cargo at sea took effect, it opens up for competitive advantages

Brief on the new requirements! Ready to navigate the new IBC Code?

Quick Introduction

Chemical tankers are obliged to comply with the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk. In short: The IBC Code.

The 2020 amendment introduces stricter demands for tank pressure for a range of cargo types now being classified as Toxic (listed with a T in Chapter 17 column K). While previously 231 substances were classified as toxic, the new list includes 429 substances which will no longer be allowed to be carried on the same ship unless P/V valve setting is increased to 20.0 kPa (in most cases from 14 kPa).

If you are transporting methanol, diethylene glycol, MIBK, nonyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, octanol, or other products now added to the list, you need to assert yourself that your vessels continue to be up for the task bearing in mind that the vessel’s International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk ships (COF) will no longer contain said cargoes unless setting is increased to 20 kPa.

The hidden advantage

When changing the setting from 14.0 kPa to 20.0 kPa, it at the same time allows for higher loading rates – regardless, if the actual cargo carried requires 20.0 kPa setting or not. The positive implication is shorter time spend at terminal and consequently higher efficiency on the vessel.

We call it the hidden advantage, the obvious of course continuously being allowed to carry the cargo initially planned.

The obstacle

Some valve types unfortunately has the downside of a pressure rise above set point which for some vessels with a lower Design pressure can creates hazardous situations as have been seen numerous times w. e.g. burst tanks, and having a higher setting will of course only add to this risk.

The solution

Bay Valves’ High Velocity Valves opens instantly at set-point and thus provides for a cargo tank pressure which under no circumstances are higher than the set-point Thereby, it becomes possible to safely operate a 20 kPa regime on practically all Oil/Product tankers as well.

Strictly using High Velocity valves with a negative pressure drop where the highest tank pressure is equal to the setting will allow vessels with Design pressure as low as 20.0 kPa to comply with IBC 2020 for all cargo types. 

We are happy to advice you on the IBC Code

The exact implications of the new IBC code will always depend on the design and installed equipment of the specific vessel. Bay Valves will be happy to provide a free-of-charge assessment of your vessel. The assessment will consider design pressure, loading rates and VECS – Vapor return system with the purpose of offering a hazzle free and Class approved exchange of the P/V valves.

To get your free-of-charge assessment of your vessel, contact us here.

 

References

• DNV GL
• Bureau Veritas
• IMO Safety Committee