IMO: IGC Code

The purpose of this Code is to provide an international standard for the safe carriage, by sea in bulk, of liquefied gases and certain other substances that are listed in chapter 19. Through consideration of the products carried, it prescribes the design and construction standards of the ships involved and the equipment they should carry to minimize the risk to the ship, its crew and the environment.

The new 2016 edition of the IGC Code incorporates the amendments adopted by the MSC at its ninety-third session (May 2014) by resolution MSC.370(93). These amendments, which entered into force on 1 January 2016, consist of a complete replacement text of the IGC Code.

Unless expressly provided otherwise, the requirements of the IGC Code, as amended by resolution MSC.370(93), apply to ships whose keels are laid, or which are at a similar stage of construction, on or after 1 July 2016.

For ships constructed on or after 1 July 1986 and before 1 July 2016, unless expressly provided otherwise, the Administration shall ensure that such ships comply with the requirements which are applicable under the IGC Code, as adopted by resolution MSC.5(48) and as amended by resolutions MSC.17(58), MSC.30(61), MSC.32(63), MSC.59(67), MSC.103(73), MSC.177(79) and MSC.220(82).