1.

1 Inerting of cargo tanks

Tankers of 20 000 tdw and above are to be equipped with a
permanently installed inert gas system in accordance with D.
For tankers of less than 20000 tdw, see D.9.
2. Inerting of double hull spaces
2.1 On oil tankers, required to be fitted with inert gas systems,
suitable connections for the supply of inert gas shall be provided
on double hull spaces. Where necessary, fixed purge pipes
arranged such to take into account the configuration of these
spaces shall be fitted.
2.2 Where such spaces are connected to a permanently fitted
inert gas distribution system, suitable means (e.g. a second
water seal and check valve) shall be provided to prevent cargo
vapours entering the double hull space.
2.3 Where no permanent distribution system is installed, a
sufficient number of means for connecting o these spaces shall
be provided on the inert gas main.

D. Inert Gas Systems

for Tankers

1. General
1.1 The inert gas system shall be capable
of supplying a low-oxygen gas or gas
mixture in order to achieve an inerted
atmosphere in cargo tanks and slop tanks.
1.2 Inert gas may be produced by
main or auxiliary boilers (flue gas plant),
inert gas generators with independent
burner units, Nitrogen generators or other
equipment.

 1.3 In normal operation, the

inert gas system shall prevent air
from flowing into the tanks and shall
maintain the oxygen content of the
tank atmosphere at less than 8 % by
volume. Provision shall, however, be
made for ventilating the tanks when
access is required.

purge
1.4 It shall be possible to purge
empty tanks with inert gas in order
to reduce the hydrocarbon content to
less than 2 % by volume as to ensure
subsequent safe ventilation.

positive pressure
1.5 Under normal operating
conditions, i.e. When tanks are
either full or being filled with inert
gas, it shall be possible to maintain
positive pressure in the tanks.

 1.6 Gas discharge openings for

tank purging shall be arranged in
suitable locations on deck and shall
comply with B.5.2.5.
B.5.2.5 (On ships with inert gas
systems, the free area of the vent
openings shall be so designed that
an exit )

 1.7 The system shall be capable

of delivering inert gas at a rate of
at least 125 % of the total discharge
capacity of the cargo pumps.

 1.8 The oxygen content of the

inert gas or nitrogen produced
shall not exceed 5 % by volume.
Lower values may be required for
special applications (i.e. On chemical
or gas tankers).

 1.9 Means shall be provided to

stabilise the required oxygen content
during start up and to discharge inert
gas/nitrogen with too high oxygen
content to the atmosphere during
abnormal operating conditions.

 1.10 The system shall ensure that the

gas volume specified in 1.7 (125%) is
available during discharge. At other times,
a sufficient quantity of gas in accordance
with 1.5 shall be permanently available.
1.11 Parts of the inert gas system
which come into contact with the
corrosive vapours and/or liquids from the
inert gases shall be resistant to these or
are to be protected by suitable coatings.

 1.12 Operating instructions are

to be compiled for the inert gas
system containing instructions for
the operation and aintenance of the
system together with notices to
health hazards and safety
regulations for the prevention of
accidents.

1. General