International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk

"IBC Code" redirects here. For dangerous goods packaging containers abbreviated as IBC, see Intermediate Bulk Container. For other uses, see IBC.

The International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, often referred and abbreviated as the IBC Code is the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standard for the carriage of chemicals as cargo in maritime transport.[1][2][3][4][5]

Content and application

The Code applies to chemical tankers built on or after 1 July 1986.[1] Prior to 1986, ships were covered under the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (BCH Code).[1]

The Code covers how liquid chemicals must be transported in bulk and applies to substances listed in MARPOL Annex II.[3][5] It includes requirements that govern the design, construction, and outfitting of new build or converted chemical tankers.[4] Chapter 17 of the IBC Code lists each product and its carriage requirements, including ship type, tank type, pollution category, ventilation, environmental and fire safety considerations as well as additional specific requirements for toxicity, heat sensitivity, water reactivity and risk of polymerization.[6]

Ships under the Code are designed according to three ship types: type 1, 2 or 3, with a type 1 ships transporting the most severe environmental and safety hazardous chemicals.[1] The Code requires that the ship can withstand damage according to certain design requirements based on type and length.[2]

Ships are required to possess a Certificate of Fitness that sets out what cargoes the chemical tanker can load, carry at sea and discharge.[2]

Amendments

In 2004, the Code was amended to keep it consistent with MARPOL and the amendments entered into force on 1 January 2007.[2]

In 2019 amendments to the IBC Code wee adopted by the IMO under Resolutions MSC.460(101) and MEPC.318(74).[7][8] These entered into force on 1 January 2021, and revised Chapters 17 and 18 of the code.[8] The amendments applied to new and existing ships which have IBC Code Certificates of Fitness and Noxious Liquid Substances Certificates.[7][6]

Cargoes in the code under Chapter 18 (list of products to which the code does not apply) moved to Chapter 17 meaning they are not allowed to be carried on tankers not having a Certificate of Fitness.[8] These cargoes are now assigned MARPOL Annex II pollution category Z.[8]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Regulatory Primer for Mates & Masters: Questions and Answers Covering Current and New Regulations. Witherby Publishing Group. 2021. p. 14. ISBN 9781914992193.
  2. ^ a b c d 21st century seamanship. Livingston: Witherby Publishing Group. 2015. p. 601-604. ISBN 978-1-85609-632-4.
  3. ^ a b "The International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk". International Maritime Organization. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  4. ^ a b "International Bulk Chemical Code (IBC Code)". Wartsila.com. 2016-03-07. Retrieved 2025-03-03.
  5. ^ a b "Liquid chemical bulk cargoes (IBC Code)". Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). 2023-08-18. Retrieved 2025-03-03.
  6. ^ a b "Fit for the future". DNV. 2020-07-01. Retrieved 2025-03-03.
  7. ^ a b "MARPOL Annex II and the IBC Code". LR. 2021-01-01. Retrieved 2025-03-03.
  8. ^ a b c d Club, Standard (2020-12-10). "News: Amendments to the IBC code and MARPOL Annex II". Standard Club. Retrieved 2025-03-03.
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