DNV GL has developed new class rules and class notations for the LPG market, in anticipation of an increased uptake of the fuel in the next decade
The notation ’Gas fuelled LPG’ was devised in anticipation of growing industry interest in the fuel. The company’s announcement was made at the Marintec trade fair in Shanghai, China.
The rules and notation are based on DNV GL’s existing rules for ships using LNG as a fuel. However, the new rules account for differences in properties and phases between LPG and LNG.
The Gas Fuelled LPG notation covers internal combustion engines, boilers and gas turbines for both gas-only and dual-fuel operations. It also includes requirements for the ship’s fuel supply, considering all aspects of the installation from the bunkering connection up to and including the LPG consumers (main and auxiliary engines and boilers).
With the exception of LNG, all gases and low-flashpoint fuels are subject to the ‘alternative design approach’ meaning they may be used if the safety, reliability and dependability of the systems can be shown to be equivalent to those achieved by new and comparable conventionally fuelled main and auxiliary machinery.
Director of ship classification and technical director at DNV GL – Maritime Geir Dugstad said the new rules and class notations “offer owners interested in LPG a straightforward path towards compliance with the alternative design approach mandated by the IGF Code,” adding “As the fuel environment within the maritime industry becomes more diverse, it is essential that we continue to broaden the enabling rules and regulation to support these new choices.”
LPG use is set to grow in the next decade as it mostly eliminates sulphur emissions and reduces greenhouse gas output by approximately 17% compared to burning HFO or MGO.
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.