Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) Participation in the Working Group on Fibre Reinforced Plastics (FRP) Materials

As part of the Russian delegation, the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) participated in the meeting of the Working Group on Fibre Reinforced Plastics (FRP) materials held during the 64th session of the Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. The event took place from June 24 to 28, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland, and was chaired by the Russian Federation.

Expertise and Contributions in FRP Materials:
Since 2017, RS has been building expertise in FRP materials in collaboration with the Center for Materials Technologies (CMT, Skoltech). This collaboration has led to the development of requirements for the design, manufacture, inspection, and testing of FRP portable tanks. These requirements form the basis of Chapter 6.9 of the Model Regulations of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN Orange Book).

Incorporation into International Regulations:
The developed chapter, specifically Sections 6.9.1 and 6.9.2, has been incorporated almost fully into the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) through IMO Resolution MSC.501(105), effective from January 1, 2024. Additionally, Section 6.9.3, which addresses the design, construction, inspection, and testing of shut-off valves, safety devices, and hatches for FRP portable tanks, has been adopted by the Sub-Committee and will be included in the new version of the Orange Book in January 2025.

Recent Developments and Future Work:
The recent meeting focused on developing a new section, 6.9.4, which sets requirements for the design, construction, inspection, and testing of portable tanks with FRP shells intended for the transport of non-refrigerated liquefied gases. The technological advancements made by Skoltech and RS have made the manufacture and testing of FRP tanks for such substances viable.

The Working Group acknowledged the significant contributions from Russian experts and noted that the innovative use of FRP portable tanks for gas transport will necessitate a review of several chapters in the Orange Book. Russian specialists, along with international colleagues, will work to identify relevant updates during the intersessional period. A work plan for these efforts will be developed and approved in the next session.

About Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS):
Founded in 1913, RS is a globally recognized classification society operating across all maritime industry spheres. Its primary objectives include enhancing the safety of human life at sea, ensuring safe navigation, and secure transportation of cargoes by sea and inland waterways, and developing environmental protection standards.

RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships under construction and in service, issues various certificates and documents, conducts measurements, and ensures compliance with international conventions. It also certifies industrial products, manufacturers, and quality management systems, and provides services related to the declaration and certification of dangerous goods and bulk cargoes.

For more information, visit RS’s official website.