Section 8 Transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk

8.1.1 This Section applies to the arrangement and scantling of sea-going ships as defined in Pt 4, Ch 4, 1.1 Application and intended for the carriage of hazardous and noxious substances, i.e.;

1. Products which are listed in chapter 17 or chapter 18 of the IBC Code and the latest edition of the MEPC.2/Circular (Provisional categorization of liquid substances in accordance with MARPOL Annex II and the IBC Code) and their related references to chapter 15 and chapter 19; or
2. Oil-based/water-based mud containing mixtures of products listed in 1(a); or
3. Liquid carbon dioxide (high purity and reclaimed quality) and liquid nitrogen; or
4. Contaminated backloads.

8.1.2 The requirements of this Section are non-mandatory and need not be complied with for classification with Lloyd’s Register, although compliance may be insisted upon, in part or in full, by the Flag Administration.

8.1.3 Ships complying with the requirements of this Section will be eligible for the optional special feature notation HNLS.

8.1.4 Carriage of products not listed in Pt 4, Ch 4, 8.1 Scope 8.1.1 may be permitted in accordance with the Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 1.1 Application 1.1.10.

8.1.5 Compliance with the Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) will warrant the issuance of a certificate of fitness in line with the Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels 1.4 Surveys and certification 1.4.1.

8.1.6 This Section is to be considered as additional to the requirements listed in Pt 4, Ch 4 Offshore Support Vessels of the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022.

8.2.1 The definitions applicable to this Section are as per the Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 1.2 Definitions.

8.2.2 Equivalents to the requirements of this Section will be considered in accordance with the Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 1.3 Equivalents.

8.3.1 The goals of this sub-Section are:

1. To ensure that the cargo tanks are located in protected location(s) in the event of minor hull damage.
2. To ensure that the cargo containment and handling systems are located so that the consequences of any release of cargo will be minimised, and to provide safe access for operation and inspection.

8.3.2 The vessel is to be designed in accordance with the following:

1. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 2.3 Non-cargo discharges below the freeboard deck.
2. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 2.9 Location of cargo tanks.
3. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 3 Vessel design.
4. Segregation of cargo tanks from spaces which are intended to be non-hazardous, where diagonal or corner to corner situations occur, will be specially considered. See also Pt 4, Ch 9, 1.2 Application and ship arrangement 1.2.9 of the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022.
5. With respect to access to spaces in the cargo area, spaces which are of confined or cellular construction adjacent to cargo or slop tanks, such as double bottom tanks and cofferdams, are to have dual access from the upper deck, spaced as widely apart as possible. Pipe tunnels and duct keels to which access is normally required for operational purposes are to be provided with means of access not more than 60 m apart. In all cases, however, access is to be provided at each end of the tunnel or duct keel.

8.4.1 The goal of this sub-Section is to ensure that the consequences of any release of liquid cargo with severe safety hazards, from compliant vessels, will be minimised; and to provide protection to the vessel and crew from fire, toxic vapour and corrosive substances.

8.4.2 Where the vessel is designed to carry cargoes with a flashpoint not exceeding 60°C, toxic products or acid, it shall comply with the following:

1. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 4 Special requirements for products with a flashpoint not exceeding 60°C, toxic products and acid.
2. With respect to toxic products, vapour return lines are to be fitted with shut-off valves and blank flanges.
3. With respect to internal cargo tanks for the carriage of acids, the surface is to be smooth and free of obstruction, and the arrangements at corners are to be appropriate to the intended lining arrangements.
4. With respect to tank or piping surfaces to be exposed to acid cargos, the corrosion protection lining is to be applied in a solid state.
5. Linings approved for use with acids are considered to be an acid-resistant material that is applied to the tank or piping system in a solid state with a defined elasticity property, which is to be greater than the elasticity of the structural steel.

8.5.1 The goal of this sub-Section is to ensure the safe containment of cargo under all foreseeable design and operating conditions having regard to the nature of the cargo carried.

8.5.2 The cargo containment arrangements of the vessel shall comply with the following:

1. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 5 Cargo containment.
2. Cargo tanks are to be as required by the Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Ships for the Carriage of Liquid Chemicals in Bulk, July 2022 or the Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Ships for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk, July 2022 as applicable for the intended cargo.
3. Integral cargo tank scantlings and arrangements are to be in accordance with Ch 1 LR V Structural Arrangements and Scantlings of the Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Ships for the Carriage of Liquid Chemicals in Bulk, July 2022.
4. With respect to independent cargo tank scantlings and arrangements, these are to be considered on the basis of the standards contained in the classification Rules taking account of the cargo relative densities, and giving due consideration to the maximum pressure which will be encountered in service and the dynamic loading which will be experienced by the tanks, supports and keys. Calculations are to be submitted to enable the appraisal of the proposed arrangements.
5. Where it is intended that vessels are to carry high temperature cargoes in independent cargo tanks, the tanks are to be supported and keyed so as to permit free expansion in all directions and to eliminate heat bridges which can transmit thermal stresses to the hull of the ship.
6. All openings in independent cargo tanks are to be in the top of the tank and extended above the deck (alternative arrangements will be specially considered). Access is to be from the open deck direct, with arrangements for maintaining watertightness at the joint between the hatch coaming and the deck.

8.6.1 The goal of this sub-Section is to ensure that the materials used in the construction of the vessel, piping, pumps, valves, vents, and their jointing materials are of suitable quality and traceability, and shall be suitable for the temperature and pressure for their intended function in accordance with appropriate standards.

8.6.2 OSVs intended for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk shall comply with the following material requirements:

1. Chapter Ch 1 LR V Structural Arrangements and Scantlings of the Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Ships for the Carriage of Liquid Chemicals in Bulk, July 2022.
2. Materials of construction for tanks, piping, fittings and pumps shall be in accordance with Ch 6 Materials of Construction and welding of the Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Ships for the Carriage of Liquid Chemicals in Bulk, July 2022, or Ch 6 Materials of Construction and Quality Control of the Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Ships for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk, July 2022, as applicable.

8.7.1 The goal of this sub-Section is to ensure the safe handling of all cargoes, under all normal operating conditions and foreseeable emergency conditions, to minimise the risk to the vessel, its crew and the environment, having regard to the nature of the products involved through ensuring the integrity of integral liquid product tanks, piping systems and cargo hoses, preventing the uncontrolled transfer of cargo, and ensuring reliable means to fill and empty cargo tanks.

8.7.2 OSVs intended for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk shall comply with the following cargo transfer requirements:

1. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 6 Cargo Transfer.
2. The nominal thickness of steel pipes is to be not less than shown in Pt 5 Main and Auxiliary Machinery Table 12.2.4 Minimum thickness for steel pipes in the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022.
3. The use of and scantlings of stainless steel pipes will be specially considered.
4. Welding, post-heat treatment and non-destructive examination for piping fabrication and jointing details is also to be in accordance with the requirements of Ch 13 Requirements for Welded Construction of the Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials, July 2022.
5. Standby means for pumping out each cargo tank are to be provided. See Pt 5, Ch 15, 3.1 General 3.1.2 of the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022.
6. Details of ship’s cargo hoses are to be submitted together with a type test certificate issued by a recognised authority.
7. The extreme service temperature for ship’s cargo hoses is to be taken as the highest and/or lowest service temperature for which the hose is intended.

8.8.1 The goal of this sub-Section is to protect cargo containment systems from harmful over-pressure or under-pressure at all times.

8.8.2 The cargo tank venting arrangements for the vessel shall comply with the following:

1. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 7 Cargo Tank venting.
2. The system for guarding against liquid rising to a height which would exceed the design head of the cargo tanks is to be independent of the gauging devices.
3. With respect to cargo tank venting, attention is drawn to the need to comply with any more onerous filling height restrictions imposed by the carriage of high relative density cargoes (i.e. above 1,025 t/m³).

8.9.1 The goal of this sub-Section is to ensure that electrical installations are designed so as to minimise the risk of fire and explosion from flammable products; and ensure availability of electrical generation and distribution systems relating to the safe carriage, handling and conditioning of cargoes.

8.9.2 The electrical installations aboard the vessel are to comply with the following:

1. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 8 Electrical installations.
2. Pt 6, Ch 2 Electrical Engineering of the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022.
3. Where electrical equipment is to be of a 'safe type' in order to comply with IEC 60092: Electrical installations in ships - Part 502: Tankers - Special features, such equipment is to be certified for the gases/vapours involved. The construction and type testing are to be in accordance with IEC Publication 60079: Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres, or an equivalent National Standard.
4. For electrical installations for systems or tanks which are to carry chlorosulphonic acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, oleum, phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid or trimethylacetic acid, the hazardous areas identified in IEC 60092 Electrical installations in ships - Part 502: Tankers - Special features, 4.5 Tankers carrying cargoes (for example acids) reacting with other products/materials to evolve flammable gases are applicable. The relevant gas group and temperature class are IIC T1.
5. For electrical installations for systems or tanks which are to carry sulphur liquid, the hazardous areas identified in IEC 60092 Electrical installations in ships - Part 502: Tankers - Special features, 4.3 Tankers carrying flammable liquids having a flashpoint exceeding 60 ºC, are applicable.

8.10.1 The goal of this sub-Section is to ensure that arrangements are provided for enclosed spaces in the cargo area to control the accumulation of flammable and/or toxic vapours.

8.10.2 Mechanical ventilation arrangements in the cargo area are to comply with the following:

1. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 10 Mechanical ventilation in the cargo area.
2. With respect to ventilation of spaces not normally entered, the particulars of the type and number of portable fans, their arrangement and means of attachment are to be submitted to LR for consideration in relation to the internal and external arrangement of the space concerned;
   1. increased ventilation will be required for spaces which contain gas-freeing systems, unless these systems are totally enclosed; and
   2. ventilation systems are to be capable of use prior to entry and during occupation.

8.11.1 The goal of this sub-Section is to ensure that any instruments and automation systems provide for the safe carriage and handling of cargoes.

8.11.2 Instrumentation and automation systems on board the vessel shall comply with the Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 11 instrumentation and automation systems.

8.12.1 The goal of this sub-Section is to ensure control of pollution from noxious liquid substances from offshore support vessels.

8.12.2 The vessel shall comply with the Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 12 pollution prevention requirements.

8.13.1 The goal of this sub-Section is to ensure that the vessel's design, arrangement and operational procedures are such as to minimise the risk to the vessel, its crew and the environment, when carrying liquefied gases in bulk.

8.13.2 Where the vessel is to carry liquefied gases as a cargo it shall comply with the following:

1. Cargo tanks are to be as required by the Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Ships for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk, July 2017 as applicable for the intended cargo.
2. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 18.1 General, noting that, in the context of the application of this Chapter of the code, deviation from specific requirements of the IGC code must first be agreed with the relevant Flag Administration and latterly presented to Lloyd’s Register for special consideration.
3. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 18.2 Accommodation, service and machinery spaces and control stations.
4. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 18.3 Cargo containment.
5. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 18.4 Materials of construction.
6. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 18.5 Vent system for cargo containment.
7. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 18.6 Cargo transfer.
8. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 18.7 Vapour detection.
9. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 18.8 Gauging and level detection.
10. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 18.9 Emergency shutdown system.
11. The Code for the transport and handling of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (OSV Chemical Code) 18.12 Carriage of other liquefied gases listed in chapter 19 of the IGC Code noting that, where a vessel is intended for carriage of liquefied gases listed in chapter 19 of the IGC Code, other than liquid carbon dioxide (high purity and reclaimed quality) or liquid nitrogen, then agreement on the relevant aspects of the IGC Code and any additional requirements are to be agreed during multi-party discussions to include the Flag Administration and LR.