Applicability: Offshore support vessels

The IMO has adopted Resolution A.1122(30), the Code for the Transport and Handling of Hazardous and Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk on Offshore Support Vessels (OSV Chemical Code), which will be implemented on a voluntary basis from 1 July 2018.
 
The Code has been developed in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 11.2 of MARPOL Annex II and in recognition of the need for standards that provide an alternative to the IBC Code and IGC Code for offshore support vessels (OSVs).
 
Advice to all concerned
 
This Code applies to OSVs engaged in the carriage of the products identified as follows:
 

  1. products that are listed in chapters 17 or 18 of the IBC Code and the latest edition of the MEPC.2/Circular (Provisional categorization of liquid substances in accordance with MARPOL Annex II and the IBC Code) and their related references to chapters 15 and 19; or
  2. oil-based/water-based, mud-containing mixtures of products listed in chapters 17 and 18 of the IBC Code and the MEPC.2/Circular; or
  3. liquid carbon dioxide (high purity and reclaimed quality) and liquid nitrogen; or
  4. contaminated backloads.

 
Discharging and loading of portable tanks on board is also covered under this Code.
 
Another major change under this Code is the ability to carry unlimited quantities of the cargoes covered by the Code and the ability to carry toxic cargoes. The Code should also apply when the cargoes indicated above are a part of a blending or production process of cargoes used in the search and exploitation of seabed mineral resources on board vessels used to facilitate such operations.
 
Unless expressly provided otherwise, the OSV Chemical Code applies to OSVs constructed (i.e. keel lay date) or converted on or after 1 July 2018.
 
The OSV Chemical Code supersedes IMO Resolution A.673(16), Guidelines for the Transport and Handling of Limited Amounts of Hazardous and Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk on Offshore Support Vessels (LHNS Guidelines), which may continue to apply to OSVs constructed (i.e. keel lay date) on or after 19 April 1990 and before 1 July 2018.
 
However, existing OSVs, constructed on or after 19 April 1990 and before 1 July 2018, may now be permitted to carry products that are assigned for carriage on a type 2 ship in the IBC Code, provided that they comply with the OSV Chemical Code, except for the stability provisions in chapter 2 of the Code, and subject to the satisfaction of the Administration.
 
Owners and managers requiring ships to carry products covered under this OSV Chemical Code are advised to review this Code and contact their local Lloyd’s Register (LR) office for any guidance and, if required, their respective flag administrations.

For further information

Contact marpol@lr.org