Thermal tests on some LNG carriers fitted with Mark III membrane-type cargo containment systems are showing up a large number of possible issues with their secondary barriers sparking a debate about changing existing regulations to minimise required repairs and offhire time.

Shipowners, class and membrane-type designer GTT are embroiled in talks about whether certain repairs need to be made or whether the existing regulations should be rewritten to limit the scope of these to particular areas of the tank.