LR 1-01 These Rules have been prepared to ensure that ships using gases or other
low-flashpoint fuels built with a view to classification with LR will also comply with
the requirements of the IMO IGF Code - International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels, where applicable.
LR1-02 The Rules incorporate the final text of the IGF Code - International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels in full at the date of publication. For the purposes of
classification with LR and assignment of notations, ships using gases or other
low-flashpoint fuels are required to comply with these Rules and the relevant provisions
of the LR’s Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022.
LR 1-03 Classification requirements in the Rules which are additional and do not
appear in the IGF Code - International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels are prefixed by ‘LR’. References to ‘this Code’
within these Rules are references to the IGF Code - International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels
LR 1-04 Responsibility for interpretation of the IGF Code - International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels requirements lies with the National Authority or Administration
with whom the ship is intended to be registered.
LR 1-05 The IGF Code - International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels also contains requirements for operational
matters (e.g. Part D) which are not within the scope of classification as defined in the
Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022. Such matters
are the responsibility of the National Authority or Administration.
The purpose of this Code is to provide an international standard for ships using
low-flashpoint fuel, other than ships covered by the 2014 IGC Code - International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk.
The basic philosophy of this Code is to provide mandatory provisions for the
arrangement, installation, control and monitoring of machinery, equipment and systems
using low-flashpoint fuel to minimise the risk to the ship, its crew and the
environment, having regard to the nature of the fuels involved.
Throughout the development of this Code it was recognised that it must be
based upon sound naval architectural and engineering principles and the best
understanding available of current operational experience, field data and research and
development. Due to the rapidly evolving new fuels technology, the Organisation will
periodically review this Code, considering both experience and technical developments.
This Code addresses all areas that need special consideration for the usage of the
low-flashpoint fuel. The basic philosophy of the IGF Code considers the goal-based
approach (MSC.1/Circ.1394). Therefore, goals and functional requirements were specified
for each section forming the basis for the design, construction and operation.
The current version of this Code includes regulations to meet the functional
requirements for natural gas fuel. Regulations for other low-flashpoint fuels will be
added to this Code as, and when, they are developed by the Organisation.
In the meantime, for other low-flashpoint fuels, compliance with the functional
requirements of this Code must be demonstrated through alternative design.
LR 1-06 The Organisation refers to the International Maritime Organization
(IMO).
LR 1-07 The IGF Code is divided into a number of Parts, where Parts A and D of
the IGF Code cover requirements that are generic to all gases and low-flashpoint fuels
(unless otherwise stated) and Parts A-1, B-1 and C-1 cover specific requirements for
ships using natural gas as fuel. In time, other Parts (A-2 etc.) will be developed by
the IMO to cover other gases and low-flashpoint fuels.
LR 1-08 Until other Parts of the IGF Code - International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels with specific requirements for other gases and low-flashpoint
fuels are included in the IGF Code - International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels, ships using gases or low-flashpoint fuels
other than natural gas need to demonstrate that the fuel system arrangements satisfy the
generic requirements in Parts A and D of the IGF Code and that the arrangements provide
for an equivalent level of safety in accordance with Part A, 2.3 of the IGF Code.
LR 1-09 To support the demonstration of equivalent safety, LR is developing
specific requirements for the use of other gases and low-flashpoint fuels which will be
incorporated into these Rules as LR Appendices once approved by LR’s Technical
Committee.