PHMSA Patches Steel Thickness Rules for Secure LNG Rail Tankers
Published Date: 7/1/2025
Rule
Summary
This update fixes a small but important detail about how thick the steel walls of liquefied natural gas (LNG) rail tanks must be. Rail companies and tank manufacturers need to follow these corrected thickness rules to keep LNG shipments safe. The change is effective immediately and helps prevent accidents without adding extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
LNG Rail Tank Steel Thickness Fix
If you build or operate liquefied natural gas (LNG) rail tanks, the rule corrects minimum steel thickness requirements: the outer jacket shell must be at least 7/16 inch after forming, and the outer jacket heads must be at least 1/2 inch after forming and made from the steel specified in Sec. 179.16(c). This correction is effective immediately.
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