7.1 General
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - 1983 IGC Code - International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk - Chapter 7 Cargo Pressure/Temperature Control - 7.1 General

7.1 General

  7.1.1 Unless the entire cargo system is designed to withstand the full gauge vapour pressure of the cargo under conditions of the upper ambient design temperatures, maintenance of the cargo tank pressure below the MARVS should be provided by one or more of the following means, except as otherwise provided in this section:

  • .1 a system which regulates the pressure in the cargo tanks by the use of mechanical refrigeration;

  • .2 a system whereby the boil-off vapours are utilized as fuel for shipboard use or waste heat system subject to the provisions of chapter 16. This system may be used at all times, including while in port and while manoeuvring, provided that a means of disposing of excess energy is provided, such as a steam dump system, that is satisfactory to the Administration;

  • .3 a system allowing the product to warm up and increase in pressure. The insulation or cargo tank design pressure or both should be adequate to provide for a suitable margin for the operating time and temperatures involved. The system should be acceptable to the Administration in each case;

  • .4 other systems acceptable to the Administration;

  • .5 in addition to the above means, the Administration may permit certain cargoes to be controlled by venting cargo vapours to the atmosphere at sea. This may also be permitted in port with the permission of the port Administration.

  7.1.2 The systems required by 7.1.1 should be constructed, fitted and tested to the satisfaction of the Administration. Materials used in their construction should be suitable for use with the cargoes to be carried. For normal service, the upper ambient design temperature should be:

sea 32°C

air 45°C.

For service in especially hot or cold zones these design temperatures should be increased or reduced, as appropriate, by the Administration.

  7.1.3 For certain highly dangerous cargoes specified in chapter 17, the cargo containment system should be capable of withstanding the full vapour pressure of the cargo under conditions of the upper ambient design temperatures irrespective of any system provided for dealing with boil-off gas.


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