RS input on FRP materials acknowledged internationally

Since 2017, RS has been actively building up expertise in the field of FRP materials in cooperation with the Center for Materials Technologies (CMT, Skoltech). The joint activities resulted in the development of the requirements for the design, manufacture, inspection and testing of FRP portable tanks, serving as the basis for Chapter 6.9 of the Model Regulations of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN Orange Book).

To date, the chapter (Sections 6.9.1 and 6.9.2) has already been incorporated into the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) almost in full in the form of IMO Resolution MSC.501(105) - Amendments to the IMDG Code (in force as of January 1, 2024). Section 6.9.3, “Requirements for design, construction, inspection and testing of shut-off valves, safety devices and hatches for FRP portable tanks” has been completed by the Working Group and adopted by the Sub-Committee. It is expected to be included in the new version of the Orange Book in January 2025.

The present meeting of the Working Group was dedicated to developing a new section: “Requirements for the design, construction, inspection and testing of portable tanks with shells made of fibre reinforced plastics materials intended for the transport of non-refrigerated liquefied gases” (section 6.9.4). Previously, the manufacture of FRP tanks for the transportation of such substances was technologically complicated and not considered viable in practice.

In recent years, the technologies of manufacturing and testing FRP portable tanks has made a significant leap forward due to the efforts of Skoltech and RS, enabling talk about the imminent launch of its serial production.

The Working Group members thanked Russian experts for their input and noted that the innovative nature of using FRP portable tanks for transporting gas will not only affect Chapter 6.9 but a number of other chapters in the Orange Book as well, necessitating a thorough review of all related materials. During the intersessional period, in line with the Group’s decision, Russian specialists, alongside interested parties from other countries/organizations and independent experts, will attempt to identify relevant provisions to be updated in Orange Book. A group of Working Group members have already volunteered to assist the Russian Federation in this work.

During the next session, the Group will be tasked with developing its own Work Plan to be approved by the Sub-Committee.

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. The organization’s main objectives are to enhance the safety standards of human life at sea, ensure the safe navigation of ships and the secure transportation of cargoes by sea and inland waterways, as well as to develop standards for environmental protection.

RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships under construction and in service, issues documents and certificates for vessels, offshore facilities, ship machinery, equipment and devices; conducts measurements of ships and floating facilities; carries out surveys to ensure compliance with international conventions; recognizes and certifies industrial products and manufacturers, certifies quality management systems for compliance with international and national standards. 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.