Technical rules like the IGF code are developed by large groups of experts over long periods of time. Explaining the background for the requirements of such rules is not part of the development process. As a result, the reasoning behind the rules is often lost over time, or at least hidden from the end user of the rules. The purpose of this publication is to explain the safety principles behind the rules for unconventional marine fuels. It is the author's hope that an understanding of the safety principles will contribute to the technology-based interpretation of the rules and their further development.

Auteur

Dr. Wuersig is a process and energy engineer with long term experience in shipping. He has a background on liquefied gases and other alternative fuels for ships, design and classification of ships covered by the IMO IGF-Code and IGC-Code, fuel cell systems, safety analysis and seminars related to these subjects.

His professional experience is related to business development, engineering advisory services, research & development, process-, gas-, safety- and fuel cell technology. His involvement in liquefied gas technology leads back to his doctorial work on the development of a liquefied hydrogen sea transport system in the early 90ies.

Dr. Wuersig contributed as a consultant for the German ministry of transport to IMO work on IGC-Code (IMO Code for Gas Carriers) amendments, development of the new IGC-Code and the development of the IGF Code (IMO Code for ships with low flashpoint fuels). He is still contributing to the German mirror group on IGF-Code development.

He represented GL, DNV and DNV GL at SIGTTO and SGMF and contributed to ISO working groups. He was member of the SGMF Technical Committee and the Environmental Committee. He actively participated in the development of the ISO and SGMF LNG bunkering requirements and the SIGTTO work on LNG fires around gas carriers. He is a member of the process technology safety working group of the German chemical engineers society (DECHEMA).