IACS OKs two URs for bulk carriers and oil tankers, to enter into force on July 1, 2015
The International Association of Classification Societies chaired by Philippe Donche-Gay of BV on December 11 2014 held its December Council meeting in London. The flagship Common Structural Rules project for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers was discussed and a presentation delivered to industry representatives who attended the closing session. The Rules will enter into force on 1 July 2015, the IACS said in a press release.
The IACS expert group on structural safety of container ships reported on a post "MOL Comfort" review which it has carried out. This work has resulted in the development of two new IACS Unified Requirements (URs): UR S11A which is a longitudinal strength standard for container ships and URS34 dealing with functional requirements and load cases for direct analysis of container ships. These two important URs will be delivered during the first quarter of 2015.
Unified Requirements (URs) are minimum technical requirements adopted by all IACS members that refer to specific class rules requirements. URs are not intended to address all strength aspects of hull structures as that is the function of the class rules of individual members.
Two new IACS initiatives were also discussed: the first one on LNG bunkering guidelines and the second dealing with complex on-board systems.
LNG Bunkering Guidelines are presently being considered by a number of organisations and the IACS initiative will seek to build on what has already been introduced.
Complex systems is a topic of crucial importance for the industry as on-board systems develop rapidly in complexity. IACS is currently focussing on this subject with the formation of a dedicated Expert Group.
At the last tripartite meeting (Shipowners, Shipbuilders and Classification Societies) in Shanghai in October steps were taken to publicise these items to the industry participants and this continued at the Council meeting where plans for future cooperation were discussed with industry representatives.
The London, UK headquartered International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) was founded in 1968. IACS is a technically based organization consisting of thirteen marine classification societies. Marine classification is a system for promoting the safety of life, property and the environment primarily through the establishment and verification of compliance with technical and engineering standards for the design, construction and life-cycle maintenance of ships, offshore units and other marine-related facilities. These standards are contained in rules established by each Society. IACS provides a forum within which the member societies can discuss, research and adopt technical criteria that enhance maritime safety.