The ILT urges inland shipping tanker skippers to check the valve, also known as the vapour lock valve, of their vessel. Following a signal, it has been found that certain importers are currently marketing cheap, China-manufactured valves and sampling equipment that do not have valid type approvals from one of the recognized classification agencies.
The ILT has assessed several of these valves in consultation with the competent classification agencies in inland shipping. The joint conclusion was that a formal type approval is mandatory for the vapour lock valve before these valves can be installed on ADN tankers.
High Safety Standards
According to the ADN, which contains the international regulations for the safe transport of hazardous substances over inland waterways (Article 9.3.x.8.1), tankers under the supervision of a recognized classification agency must meet the highest standards regarding construction and safety. This also applies to the valves on inland shipping tankers. The high safety standards must be maintained, and non-approved valves must not be installed in inland shipping tankers.
Safety Culture
There are concrete indications that the cheap, China-manufactured valves have already been installed in a number of vessels. This leads to deception and undermines the safety culture within the transport of hazardous substances. If a skipper doubts the origin of this valve (without type approval), it is advised to contact one of the classification agencies. They can assess the valve.
