The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recently issued Ships and marine technology - Ball valves for use in low temperature applications - Design and testing requirements (ISO 21157:2018) and Ships and marine technology - Butterfly valves for use in low temperature applications - Design and testing requirements (ISO 21159:2018). These are two international standards on LNG marine equipment that China organized to formulate for the first time.

The two criteria are advanced globally, and detail requirements on structures, materials, welding and testing of marine ball/butterfly valves used in ultralow temperature (-196℃). Hence, they will support designers and testing personnel technically. LNG ships are a typical example of high-tech, high value-added ships. As important piping equipment of LNG ships, valves for use in low temperature applications are vital to ensure safety of ships, equipment and personnel.

The standard formulation was led by China Institute of Marine Technology & Economy, which was mainly assisted by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd., SHD Marine Valve Manuf Co., Ltd., Shuangheng Valve Co., Ltd., Dalian Marine Valve Co., Ltd. and Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd.