GB18180-2022
The requirements for the safe operation of liquefied gas carrier
液化气体船舶安全作业要求
GB 18180-2022 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for The requirements for the safe operation of liquefied gas carrier. It appears in the Food compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Feb 1, 2023.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard is mandatory and applies to the safe operation of liquefied gas carriers operating within the waters of China. It covers general safety requirements, berthing and unberthing operations, loading and unloading procedures, other related operations, and additional requirements for waterborne ship-to-ship transfer operations. It is essential for shipowners, terminal operators, and maritime engineers involved in the handling of liquefied gases in Chinese ports. The standard references GB 16993 for preventing oxygen-deficient hazards in enclosed spaces.
Technical requirements
The standard comprehensively outlines safety protocols across several operational phases. For equipment, it specifies stringent requirements for cargo transfer hoses, including mandatory periodic testing for pressure, conductivity, and tightness, with a maximum testing interval of 12 months. Operators must ensure hoses have a maximum working pressure of not less than 1 MPa and are protected from excessive bending or twisting. Regarding operational safety, the standard mandates robust anti-static and anti-stray current measures, requiring proper grounding and the use of insulating flanges during ship-to-shore connections. It also sets specific illumination standards for different deck areas and requires all lighting and communication equipment in hazardous areas to be of certified explosion-proof types. For the cargo handling process, the standard divides operations into four key stages: pre-operation information exchange, pre-operation inspection, transfer operation, and completion. Both parties must agree on a detailed cargo handling plan, verify safe mooring, and test the Emergency Shutdown System (ESD) before commencing operations. During the transfer, continuous monitoring of temperature, pressure, and liquid levels is required, and cargo tank filling must not exceed the established filling limits. Additionally, the standard details requirements for other critical operations such as inerting, gas-freeing, drying, and the control of cargo vapor emissions. Except in emergencies, cargo vapor handled during in-port operations must be recovered and not discharged directly into the atmosphere. It also includes specific criteria for the use of cargo vapor as fuel and the proper setting of pressure relief valves.
Testing methods
The standard requires various testing and verification procedures, primarily focusing on operational readiness and safety system functionality. Key tests include the cold and hot testing of the Emergency Shutdown System (ESD), pressure and tightness testing of cargo hoses and loading arms, and continuous monitoring via fixed and portable gas detection equipment. Furthermore, it mandates the use of comprehensive safety checklists, such as the Ship/Shore Safety Checklist and the Ship/Ship Safety Checklist, to systematically verify compliance with structural, electrical, and operational safety requirements before, during, and after cargo transfers.
FAQs
What products and operations are regulated under GB 18180-2022?
The standard applies to all safe operations of liquefied gas carriers within Chinese waters, including berthing, loading/unloading, and ship-to-ship transfer operations.
Are there any significant updates from the previous GB 18180-2010 version?
The 2022 version introduces stricter requirements for cargo hose management, anti-static measures, lighting, and divides the loading/unloading process into four distinct operational phases. It also adds new requirements for drying and gas-freeing operations.
How does GB 18180-2022 differ from international maritime standards?
While it aligns with international safety principles found in the IMO IGC Code, GB 18180-2022 is specifically tailored for operational safety within Chinese jurisdiction. It mandates the use of specific safety checklists and operational procedures recognized by Chinese maritime authorities.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 18180-2022. To ensure complete compliance for your vessels and operations entering Chinese waters, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 18180-2022 today to access all detailed parameters, safety checklists, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Safety
- CCS
- R09
- ICS
- 03.220.40, 13.100
- Competent department
- Ministry of Transport
- Technical committee
- Ministry of Transport
Relationships
Replaces:GB 18180-2010