The Merchant Shipping (Use of Liquefied Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels) Rules, 2026

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Dated: 20.07.2026

The Merchant Shipping (Use of Liquefied Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels) Rules, 2026

The Merchant Shipping (Use of Liquefied Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels) Rules, 2026, mark a significant advancement in maritime safety and environmental standards for vessels operating under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. This article provides a detailed overview of the regulations, their scope, and practical implications for shipowners, operators, and maritime professionals.

Introduction

With the global shift towards cleaner fuels and enhanced safety protocols, these rules establish a robust framework for the design, construction, and operation of vessels using liquefied gases or other low-flashpoint fuels.

The rules align Indian maritime regulations with international standards, particularly the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

Applicability

The rules apply to:

Vessels with building contracts placed on or after January 1, 2017, or keels laid on or after July 1, 2017, or delivered on or after January 1, 2021.
Vessels converted to use low-flashpoint fuels after January 1, 2017.
Exemptions exist for vessels with keels laid before July 1, 2017, unless structural changes require compliance.

Key Definitions

Low-flashpoint fuel: Fuels with a flashpoint lower than permitted under SOLAS regulations, including LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol.
Bunkering: The process of transferring fuel to a vessel’s tanks.
Hazardous area: Zones where explosive gas atmospheres may occur, requiring special precautions.
IGF Code: The international standard for safety in ships using gases or low-flashpoint fuels.

Design and Construction Requirements

Design:
- All vessels must comply with the IGF Code.
- Airlocks with self-closing gastight doors and specific ventilation rates are mandatory.
- Sill heights, ventilation ductwork, and deck insulation must meet strict standards to prevent fire and gas hazards.
- Design approval by a recognized surveyor or organization is required.
Construction:
- Supervision and certification by authorized surveyors.
- Vent mast outlets must maintain safe distances from ignition sources.
- Any deviation in vent mast height requires technical justification and approval.

Alternative Designs

Alternative fuels or systems not specifically addressed in the IGF Code may be used if they meet equivalent safety standards and are approved through formal assessment.
Operational methods cannot substitute for required equipment or fittings.

Operational Requirements

Vessels must carry the IGF Code onboard (physical or electronic).
Maintenance procedures for gas installations and emergency procedures must be documented and accessible.
Fuel handling manuals are required, detailing safe operation, emergency shutdowns, and system limitations.
Redundancy in fuel supply systems is mandated to prevent total loss of propulsion.
Fuel tanks must have two independent level gauges and high-level alarms.

Bunkering Operations

Written agreements and safety checklists are mandatory before bunkering.
Tanks must not be filled beyond 98% capacity at reference temperature.
Bunker delivery notes must detail fuel properties and composition.
Emergency release couplings and compliance with international standards (ISO 21593, ISO 20519) are required.
Only essential personnel with appropriate PPE may be present during transfer.
Operations must cease if safety conditions are not met.

Maintenance and Inspection

Maintenance plans must address tank locations, adjacent spaces, and electrical equipment in hazardous areas.
Inspection plans for fuel containment systems must be approved and followed throughout the vessel’s life.
Critical regions, inspection methods, and service intervals must be clearly identified.

Enclosed Space Entry

Entry into fuel tanks or hazardous spaces is prohibited unless gas-free conditions are confirmed.
No ignition sources are allowed unless the space is certified gas-free.

Risk Assessment

Formal Safety Assessments (FSA) using recognized techniques (HAZOP, FTA, PRA) are required for new fuel installations.
All moderate or higher residual risks must be mitigated by engineering controls.
Approved risk analyses must be retained for the vessel’s lifetime.

Drills and Emergency Exercises

Monthly bunkering and emergency drills are mandatory.
Annual joint tabletop exercises with port authorities must cover incident scenarios and emergency communications.
Records of all drills must be maintained for audit purposes.

Training Requirements

Seafarers must be qualified and certified per the latest training circulars and IMO Model Courses.
Specialized training is required for vessels using hydrogen, ammonia, or methanol.
All training and certification must be documented and approved by the Director-General.

LNG Bunker Delivery Note

A standardized LNG Bunker Delivery Note must accompany each fuel delivery, detailing:

Vessel and supplier information
LNG properties (calorific values, density, pressure, temperature)
LNG composition (methane, ethane, propane, etc.)
Net total delivered and signatures of supplier and receiver

Conclusion

The Merchant Shipping (Use of Liquefied Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels) Rules, 2026, set a comprehensive regulatory framework for safer, cleaner, and more efficient maritime operations. Compliance ensures alignment with international best practices and enhances the safety of vessels, crew, and the marine environment.

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Source: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

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