(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) As the industry shifts towards alternative fuels in response to environmental regulations and sustainability goals, the safety risks associated with these fuels cannot be overlooked. Crankcase explosions, a critical hazard in engine operation, becomes even more concerning in the context of gas and low flashpoint fuels. To address this issue, and as part of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) commitment to assisting the industry to decarbonise safely, IACS has published the latest edition of Unified Requirement (UR) M10, which introduces new safety requirements to protect internal combustion engines from crankcase explosions.
The revised URM10, specifically designed for engines running on gas or low flashpoint fuels, addresses the unique challenges posed by these fuel types thereby ensuring that safety measures keep pace with evolving technologies and thus safeguarding maritime operations.
Revision 5 of UR M10 builds on key existing safety standards essential for protecting against crankcase explosions. These include the requirements for crankcases to be constructed to withstand the internal pressures generated by potential explosions. For engines with a crankcase volume exceeding 0.6 m³, additional explosion relief valves are required to safely manage the excess pressure. Furthermore, a crankcase explosion relief valve must be in compliance with type testing procedures stipulated in IACS UR M66, as incorporated in IACS Members Rules, ensuring they meet the unified technical requirements fit for safety purposes, designed to safeguard against explosions.
This new edition of UR M10 was achieved through extensive collaboration with key industry stakeholders, including engine manufacturers. This cooperative effort ensures that the new guidelines are not only effective but also practical and feasible for real-world application, reflecting the latest technological advancements in engineering practices and safety protocols.
In this latest edition, IACS has also introduced the following improvements to address the safety requirements specific to engines fueled by gas or low flashpoint fuels:
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Commenting on the revised UR, IACS Secretary General, Robert Ashdown, said:
“As the industry continues to adopt alternative fuels, IACS remains committed to advancing maritime safety standards. By introducing enhanced safety requirements tailored to modern engines and different fuel types, URM10 ensures that the industry remains equipped to mitigate the risk of explosions, while adapting to the introduction of sustainable fuels.”
Stakeholders are encouraged to review these changes and update their safety practices accordingly.
For more information, click below to download the full text of the IACS URM10:
Source: IACS
