Committed to continual improvement of ship quality standards

Shipbuilding and remedial quality standard published for machinery piping systems

By Amir Lotfolazadeh, IACS Machinery Panel Chair

In January 2024, IACS published Recommendation 177 – Shipbuilding and Remedial Quality Standard for Machinery Piping Systems. This provides comprehensive guidelines for the construction, materials and workshop fabrication of piping systems that serve ship propulsion, electricity generation and navigation safety. By improving the quality of these piping systems, this IACS Recommendation presents several short- and long-term benefits for the shipping industry.

The Recommendation outlines requirements for quality management systems, procedure documents, and materials used in piping systems. This includes the selection of metallic materials and the application of materials in corrosive and different media. Moreover, it emphasises the importance of achieving compliance with design standards and receiving the certificates that are required by a classification society.

The IACS Recommendation describes preferred methods for carrying out the inspection and testing of piping systems, including visual inspection, non-destructive testing (NDT), and hydrostatic testing. In case of defects found in the piping systems, it also includes remedial information such as the treatment of surface imperfections and repairs of leaks and cracks.

In terms of manufacturing and installation, it highlights the importance of using materials that are suited to the marine environment, as well as noting the specified application on board the ship where it will be used. Further, it provides guidance on the selection of applicable metallic materials to be used for different pipes, valves, and fittings. It also sets out requirements for work procedures approved by classification societies for welding, bonding, NDT and installation.

Additionally, the document offers recommendations on two key areas:

1. the use of independent quality control systems with different classified levels of inspection
2. their application for inspection, personnel qualification and the calibration of instruments.

Each case of possible applications for piping systems is based on service media which includes standards for material, workshop fabrication and installation on board.

Benefits of use

Implementing this IACS Recommendation can unlock a host of short- and long-term benefits for the shipping industry, including:

• Improved safety: with guidance on quality standards for piping systems serving ship propulsion, electricity generation, and navigation safety, IACS helps shipping stakeholders to ensure that these systems are constructed and tested to a high standard. This is aimed at reducing the likelihood of machinery failures arising from errors during construction, which in turn can contribute to improving ship safety.
• Increased reliability: manufacturers following the IACS Recommendation’s guidelines for materials selection, fabrication procedures, and inspection and testing, can construct piping systems with a high level of reliability. This helps them to achieve the reduction of risks including downtime and maintenance issues. Overall, this can contribute to improving the efficiency and profitability of shipping operations.
• Regulatory compliance: this IACS Recommendation emphasises the importance of complying with design standards and achieving the relevant certificates required by a classification society. Doing so can help shipping industries and companies to ensure that their vessels meet the relevant regulatory requirements and thus avoid any potential penalties or legal issues.
• Improved reputation: maintaining a company’s reputation is key to sustaining business operations and relationships. By implementing the guidelines in this document, shipping companies can demonstrate their commitment to quality and safety. They can thus improve their reputation among customers, regulators, and other stakeholders, which may help them increase business opportunities and improve relationships with their suppliers and partners.
• Cost savings: shipowners may encounter initial upfront investments when implementing these guidelines from training, equipment, and procedures. However, they can also benefit from long-term cost savings. These recommendations can help them to reduce risks of accidents, failures, and downtime. This therefore saves money on repairs and maintenance and avoids revenue loss.
• Environmental benefits: improving the safety and reliability of their piping systems enables shipping companies to reduce the risk of environmental damage from accidents or failures. Furthermore, by following IACS’ guidelines on the materials and procedures suitable for the marine environment, they can reduce the possibility of pollution and other ecological impacts from their piping systems. Implementing these recommendations can therefore help shipowners to operate their vessels more sustainably and contribute towards their overall environmental goals.

Piping systems on board ships act as the vessel’s circulatory system, performing vital functions for its operation. With these guidelines, IACS hopes to assist shipping industries and shipowners in maintaining safe, profitable, and compliant vessels – now and into the future.

Read more from IACS' 2023 Annual Review