Converting single hull tankers to double hull type-N tankers will be permitted up to 31 December 2018. This was decided by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in Geneva last week.
The UNECE meeting finalised the ADN Regulations that become effective in 2011 and replace the ADNR. The rules in the ADNR that currently apply to single hull conversions differ from those in the ADN. The ADN has gotten an additional section (1.6.7.5), which refers to a number of transitional provisions in paragraph 1.6.7.2.2.
Paragraph 1.6.7.5.1 states adjusting the cargo zone to convert a ship to a type-N double hull tanker is allowed up until 31 December 2018 provided that:
– The modified/new cargo zone meets ADN requirements. Therefore, the transitional provisions in paragraph 1.6.7.2.2 do not apply to the cargo hold. Apart from the cargo hold, the converted tanker also has to meet the ADN requirements, but can make use of the transitional provisions in paragraph 1.6.7.2.2. (This concerns 1.2.1, 9.3.3.0.3d, 9.3.3.51.3 and 9.3.3.52.4.)
To carry goods that require explosion protection (paragraph 1.16.1.2.5), both accommodation and pilot house must have a fire alarm (according to 9.3.3.40.2.3).
Paragraph 1.6.7.5.2 states converted tankers will be allowed to sail after 31 december 2018 when taking into account the transitional provisions’ time limits as stated in paragraph 1.6.7.2.2.
Source: https://www.scheepsbouw.nl/HoofdMenu/Nieuws/Branchenieuws/Branchenieuws/default.aspx[Scheepsbouw Nederland]
