IMO PSPC implementation and 15 years of target useful coating life

The Performance Standard for Protective Coating (PSPC), adopted by the IMO Resolution MSC.215(82), became mandatory on 1 July 2008 for dedicated seawater ballast tanks on all types of ships of not less than 500 GT and for double-side skin spaces arranged in bulk carriers of 150 m in length and upwards. In addition, a new PSPC requirement, stemming from the recent adoption of IMO Resolution MSC.288(87), will become effective 1 January 2013 for the crude oil tanks of oil tankers of not less than 5,000 tonnes deadweight. Both PSPC standards set out a target useful coating life of 15 years, over which the coating is intended to remain in GOOD condition from initial coating application.

The shipyard is responsible for implementing the requirements of the IMO PSPC during new construction starting with a Tripartite Agreement (TPA) on inspection procedures of the surface preparation and coating processes, which shall be agreed upon and signed by the owner, the shipyard and the coating producer. In addition to the selection of qualified and certified coating inspector(s), quality control of surface preparation, steel work and coating application at every phase of new construction, is to be agreed upon for PSPC compliance. Those are reflected in good TPA and the final Coating Technical File (CTF). This is most important in order to achieve the target useful coating life.

This paper will focus on the key elements relevant to shipyards during new construction that affect the useful coating life. The standardization of shipyard new construction processes to the PSPC requirements has the potential for improving the quality of coating, and also provides an opportunity for better control of costs during construction and throughout the service life of the vessel.

Keywords: IMO PSPC; Tripartite Agreement (TPA); Coating Technical File (CTF); Edge grinding.