Due to their construction, certain types and sizes of liquefied gas carriers might not be able to comply with all the requirements of these recommendations. Where it is possible, the differences between the ship design and these recommendations should be minimised.

Despite the progress that has been made since 1979 to improve the conformity of manifold arrangements, it is accepted that there are still ships and terminals that cannot follow these recommendations. The owners and operators of these ships and terminals must appreciate that this may lead to operational restrictions and discuss these differences before a ship is programmed to any berth for the first time.

Although Ship to Ship (STS) transfer operations are carried out regularly with LPG, LNG STS is relatively new. This document takes into consideration the industry’s move towards LNG STS and also reviews past LPG STS experiences.

These recommendations bring together the manifold arrangements and strainer guidelines for LPG and LNG carriers, the aim being to promote improved safety and efficiency in operations and to assist in planning the position of loading and discharging facilities in new jetties.

These recommendations are intended to serve as a guide to owners and operators of liquefied gas ships, ship builders and planners. The guidance is for new vessels and it is not intended that existing vessels should be altered.