2.9 Fuel bunkering system and distribution system outside machinery spaces

  2.9.1.1 The bunkering station should be so located that sufficient natural ventilation is provided. Closed or semi-enclosed bunkering stations should be subject to special consideration. The bunkering station should be physically separated or structurally shielded from accommodation, cargo/working deck and control stations. Connections and piping should be so positioned and arranged that any damage to the gas piping does not cause damage to the vessel’s gas storage tank arrangement leading to uncontrolled gas discharge.

  2.9.1.2 Drip trays should be fitted below liquid gas bunkering connections and where leakage may occur. The drip trays should be made of stainless steel, and should be drained over the ships side by a pipe that preferably leads down near the sea. This pipe could be temporarily fitted for bunkering operations. The surrounding hull or deck structures should not be exposed to unacceptable cooling, in case of leakage of liquid gas. For compressed gas bunkering stations, low temperature steel shielding should be provided to prevent the possible escape of cold jets impinging on surrounding hull structure.

  2.9.1.3 Control of the bunkering should be possible from a safe location in regard to bunkering operations. At this location tank pressure and tank level should be monitored. Overfill alarm and automatic shutdown should also be indicated at this location.

  2.9.2.1 The bunkering system should be so arranged that no gas is discharged to air during filling of storage tanks.

  2.9.2.2 A manually-operated stop valve and a remote operated shutdown valve in series, or a combined manually-operated and remote valve should be fitted in every bunkering line close to the shore connecting point. It should be possible to release the remote-operated valve in the control location for bunkering operations and or another safe location.

  2.9.2.3 If the ventilation in the ducting around the gas bunkering lines stops, an audible and visual alarm should be provided at bunkering control location.

  2.9.2.4 If gas is detected in the ducting around the bunkering lines an audible and visual alarm should be provided at the bunkering control location.

  2.9.2.5 Means should be provided for draining the liquid from the bunkering pipes at bunkering completion.

  2.9.2.6 Bunkering lines should be arranged for inerting and gas freeing. During operation of the vessel the bunkering pipes should be gas free.

  2.9.3.1 Gas fuel piping should not be led through accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations.

  2.9.3.2 Where gas pipes pass through enclosed spaces in the ship, they should be enclosed in a duct. This duct should be mechanically under pressure ventilated with 30 air changes per hour, and gas detection as required in 5.5 should be provided.

  2.9.3.3 The duct should be dimensioned according to 2.7.1.3 and 2.7.1.4.

  2.9.3.4 The ventilation inlet for the duct should always be located in open air, away from ignition sources.

  2.9.3.5 Gas pipes located in open air should be so located that they are not likely to be damaged by accidental mechanical impact.

  2.9.3.6 High-pressure gas lines outside the machinery spaces containing gas-fuelled engines should be installed and protected so as to minimize the risk of injury to personnel in case of rupture.