Section 3 Ventilation and hold temperature
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022 - Part 7 Other Ship Types and Systems - Chapter 10 Carriage of Refrigerated Containers - Section 3 Ventilation and hold temperature

Section 3 Ventilation and hold temperature

3.1 Ventilation system

3.1.1 Means are to be provided to maintain the hold space at an acceptable temperature. This can be achieved by either; the direct removal of the waste heat from the refrigerant equipment of each container, or by the dissipation of the waste heat using large quantities of external ambient air. In each case the system is to be arranged in such a way as to minimise its affect on the hold space temperature. This may be accomplished by the use of a ventilation system of a mechanical supply and/or extract type.

3.1.2 The selection of a maximum allowable hold temperature is to be agreed between the designer and Operator/Owner. Whilst the recommendations given in these Rules do not stipulate a maximum allowable hold temperature, generally it should not exceed 45°C dry bulb. Guidance should be sought from container manufacturers on the maximum allowable ambient air temperature. When determining the maximum allowable hold temperature, the maximum number of refrigerated containers within the hold space, operating at their design condition, is to be taken into consideration.

3.1.3 The ventilation system is to have sufficient capacity to remove or dissipate the heat from each designated refrigerated container cell and maintain the hold temperature at or below the maximum allowable hold temperature.

3.1.4 The volume of air to be supplied or exhausted from a hold space per refrigerated container is at the discretion of the ventilation system designer. For guidance purposes, an indication of the amount of air required for a standard FEU having an air cooled condenser operating at the example notation as stated in Pt 7, Ch 10, 1.1 General 1.1.5 is as follows:

  • Simple supply only system 90 m3/min
  • Supply and exhaust duct system 75 m3/min
  • Sealed exhaust system 37 m3/min

3.1.5 The design of the hold space is to be compatible with the type of ventilation system proposed. For example, for supply and ducted exhaust systems, the semi enclosure of each stringer level may be beneficial. For a simple supply only system the provision of multiple gratings in each stringer level would benefit the free circulation and removal of warm air.

3.1.6 Only container cells served by the ventilation system are to be used for the transportation of refrigerated containers.

3.1.7 The design heat rejection for each container cell and the total hold space heat rejection, including any heat imparted from the ventilation system fans, if applicable, are to be stated. Guidance on heat rejection values which may be used is given below.

3.1.8 The minimum quantity of air supplied or extracted for each container cell and for each hold space is dependent on the type of system proposed and to be stated.

3.1.9 The ventilation system designer is to stipulate the maximum allowable back pressure occurring within the hold space. Due regard needs to be given to this value when selecting the ventilation fans and their ability to operate efficiently again the proposed maximum back pressure. The lower the back pressure, the more efficient the system and, hence, the lower the electrical power requirement to drive the fan motors for a given air throughput.

3.1.10 For supply air systems, the air outlet at each container location is to be such as to provide a flow of air towards the container's integral refrigeration system. Consideration should be given to the use of movable spigot outlets or ducting to allow both standard and high-cube containers to be stowed in any location.

3.1.11 The positions of supply air inlets and exhaust air outlets are to be such as to reduce the possibility of shortcycling. An adequate distance is to be maintained between inlet and outlet vents on the open deck.

3.1.12 The effect of warm exhaust air on deck-stowed refrigerated containers is to be taken into consideration. Similarly, the effect of warm exhaust air from deck-stowed refrigerated containers on the inlet air to the hold is to be considered.

3.1.13 Arrangements are to be provided to permit a rapid shutdown and effective closure of the ventilation system in each hold space in case of fire.

3.1.14 Ventilation ducts which penetrate the deck and/or hatch coaming, including dampers and / or closures, are to be made of steel and their arrangement is to be to the satisfaction of the relevant Administration. The use of nonmetallic flexible ducts, local to each container location, will be acceptable provided the material demonstrates suitable low flame spread characteristics.

3.2 Heat balance

3.2.1 The amount of heat absorbed from the hold space by each container, which is used to determine the design air change rate, is to be stated.

3.2.2 The heat gain or loss from all adjacent spaces, such as fuel oil tanks, ballast tanks, engine room, etc. is to be stated.

3.2.3 The heat rejection from the refrigeration unit of a standard TEU or FEU container when working at low temperature (minus 18°C), chill temperature (2°C) and banana carriage temperature (13°C), used to determine the design air change rate, is to be stated. The following FEU values may be used for guidance purposes:
  • Frozen cargo (minus 18°C/38°C). 7,0 kW
  • Chill cargo (2°C/38°C). 10,0 kW
  • Banana cargo (13°C/38°C). 13,0 kW.

3.2.4 The above heat rejection values are for the container during normal operation after the cooling down period of a non-precooled cargo.

3.2.5 The stowage ratio, for the carriage of containers at different internal temperatures, which is used to determine the design air change rate, is to be stated.

3.2.6 When an extraction ventilation system is proposed, a stack factor of 0,9 may be used in the heat balance calculations. If a ventilation system using supply air only is proposed, then no stack factor can be allowed.

3.3 Fan redundancy

3.3.1 A single supply or exhaust fan is not to be used for multiple container stack locations.

3.3.2 Individual container cells may be fed by a system having a single mechanical fan or fans to supply and/or extract air.

3.3.3 Installed standby fans are not required. However, a minimum of one replacement fan, or fan blade assembly and motor, of each size is to be carried onboard. Fans are to be arranged to enable each to be replaced whilst the remaining systems remain in operation.

3.4 Hull structures

3.4.1 Special consideration will be given to installations using hull spaces for air distribution, rather than dedicated ductwork.

3.4.2 Consideration is to be given to measures to prevent ingress of water into air inlets and exhaust outlets, where applicable.


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