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Classification society Germanischer Lloyd (GL) says that there is a 'hidden risk' in the application of fuel tank protection regulations for delayed vessels.

The Hamburg-based company has pointed out that even though the current tendency is to slow down the building process of ships due to the weak freight market, the date on which the building contract was signed is still relevant for the application of MARPOL's oil fuel tank protection (FTP) regulation.

Most current designs are specifically adjusted to fulfil the requirements of MARPOL Annex I Regulation 12A concerning FTP. The revision of the regulation specifies the design requirements for fuel oil tanks in ship newbuildings and it sets the requirements concerning the location and size of the fuel tanks in all ships with an aggregate oil fuel capacity of 600 m³ and above.

The application of the regulation includes ships whose building contract was signed on or after 1 August 2007 or whose delivery is scheduled on or after 1 August 2010. In the absence of a building contract, the regulation is applicable to keels which are laid on or after 1 February 2008.

GL points out "There is a hidden risk in the application of FTP regarding the application dates. First, the date of the building contract is relevant for the application of FTP. Moreover, the completion date has to be observed: if a vessel is completed after 1 August 2010, the provisions of FTP are applicable for that vessel."

Commenting on the recent tendency towards slowing down the building process due to the current economic climate and weak freight market, the company said "It is GL's concern to support ship owners and shipyards in meeting the requirements of FTP. If the completion of a vessel is delayed to after 1 August 2010, the provisions of FTP will apply for that vessel. Converting a completed vessel to meet the requirements of FTP will typically cause considerable expense. Therefore any proposition to delay the completion of a vessel should always include the consideration of FTP."

GL said that in cases where modifications to the tank arrangement might be necessary, GL can provide its broad experience in FTP issues to customers.

"GL's service ranges from simple pre-checks to enhanced design proposals which improve the environmental safety and reduce the economical impact of the alterations at the same time," the company said.