Amendments to the IGC Code: Using Toxic Cargo as Fuel
On July 1, 2026, amendments to Chapter 16 “Use of Cargo as Fuel” of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) will enter into force. The amendments were adopted in December 2024 by resolution MSC.566(109).
Under the new requirements, new and existing type 2G/2PG ships – gas carriers designed to carry toxic cargoes listed in Chapter 19 of the IGC Code, such as ammonia, butane, ethylene, etc. – may, with the permission of the Administration, use cargo as fuel, provided that the same level of safety is ensured as that required for natural gas (methane) under the IGC Code.
These amendments aim to enable the use of certain types of cargo as fuel, in particular ammonia cargo.
It should be noted that, with a view to supporting the development of ammonia as an alternative fuel, several relevant guidelines were approved in May 2026 at the 111th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee:
- Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Ammonia as Fuel;
- Interim Guidelines for the Use of Ammonia Cargo as Fuel;
- Interim Guidelines on Training for Seafarers on Ships Using Ammonia as Fuel.
Information on other amendments entering into force is available in the materials published on the official RS website in the section “About Register – International Activity – Changes in the international regulatory framework”.
Additional information:
Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is a world-renowned classification society that operates within all spheres of the maritime industry with the goal of improving the operational and environmental safety of marine transportation. RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships and offshore facilities under construction and in service, certifies vessels and companies for compliance with international conventions, recognizes and certifies industrial products and manufacturers, certifies quality management systems for compliance with international and national standards.
Today, RS is actively expanding its scope of services in the field of engineering and consulting, the development of technical documentation for vessels in service, marine warranty surveys, management system certification and recognition of manufacturers. In addition, RS surveys all container types, including tank containers and offshore containers, confirms compliance of packaging for dangerous goods, as well as renders services on the declaration and certification of dangerous goods and bulk cargoes.
