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IACS COUNCIL 87 PRESS RELEASE

IACS Council focuses on keeping safety at the heart of the decarbonisation debate, signals letter of intent with Singapore MPA and elects new Chair

The IACS Council met in Gdansk, Poland this week for its 87th session (C87) where decarbonisation was high on the agenda.  Council welcomed the recent decision by IMO to adopt a new output to develop a framework for the safe decarbonisation of shipping, the result of a two-year effort by IACS to ensure that critical safety concerns were not overlooked in the collective drive to lower carbon emissions as far and as quickly as possible.  In support of the work at IMO, C87 also noted the rapid progress being made by the Safe Decarbonisation Panel with regards to alternative fuels and new technologies along with the provision of expert input to a wide range of industry and regulatory forums addressing CO2 reduction measures.

C87 further agreed to sign a Letter of Intent with the Singapore MPA to work with them to accelerate the safe and practical implementation of low or zero carbon technologies, through increased collaboration and information sharing.

Recognising the power of digitalisation to support and drive decarbonisation, C87 also committed to optimising its various working groups engaged in the digital transformation of the industry to ensure IACS plays its full role in supporting industry on this journey.

Quality matters featured heavily in discussions with C87 welcoming the fact that all Members had successfully met their triennial assessment to ensure that they have remained in constant compliance with the IACS Membership criteria.  Also on Quality matters, Council welcomed that each member has had its quality performance endorsed by IQARB and emphasised its commitment to the strengthening of IQARB and to seeing it established as a permanent entity with appropriate secretariat support.

C87 recognised the potentially significant impact the EU’s Maritime Safety Package could have on their work as Recognised Organisations and committed to working constructively with the Commission on its development.  Also in an EU context, C87 also reviewed IACS’ ongoing contributions to EU environmental legislation stemming from the ‘Fit for 55 package’ and particularly around the inclusion of shipping in the EU ETS and the Fuel EU Maritime Regulation.

Finally, and to ensure continuity in its extensive work programme and engagement with industry, C87 elected Mr. Roberto Cazzulo of RINA as the incoming Chair of IACS as from 1 Jan 2024.

Speaking at the end of C87 IACS Chair, Nick Brown of Lloyd’s Register, stated “IACS significant contributions to safe decarbonisation, both in terms of keeping safety at the forefront of IMO discussions and through the substantive technical contributions it is making to support the introduction of alternative fuels and technologies, demonstrate the value that a non-commercial, impartial association brings to this debate.”  He went on to congratulate Roberto on his election and looked forward to a smooth handover over the next six months.  Responding, Mr. Cazzulo said “It is an honour for me to be elected and I look forward to building on the excellent work done by Nick Brown in ensuring IACS is well positioned to meet the environmental and technological challenges faced by shipping.”

 

Contact: Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General
E: robertashdown@iacs.org.uk T: +44 (0) 20 7976 0660

International Association of Classification Societies
Permanent Secretariat 4 Matthew Parker Street, London, England SW1H 9NP

E: permsec@iacs.org.uk

T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660

 

Notes to Editors:

  1. Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development. More than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS. 
  1. Singapore MPA is the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore 
  1. IQARB is the International Quality Assessment Review Body 
  1. Roberto P. Cazzulo graduated in civil engineering from the University of Genoa (Italy) but he has spent almost his whole professional life in maritime regulatory affairs. He joined RINA in 1981 within the R&D Marine Division. Currently, he is Secretary General of Registro Italiano Navale, the RINA main shareholder. Since the ‘80s he has represented IACS and the Italian Administration at the IMO, for instance chairing the working group on the Human Element and Formal Safety Assessment of the Maritime Safety Committee, and contributing to the development of the International Safety Management Code and Goal Based Standards for ship construction. He chaired IACS in 2013-2014 when the Common Structural Rules for tankers and bulk carriers were adopted and submitted to the IMO for GBS verification. He has been elected chairman of the IACS Council for 2024-2025. 
  1. A high resolution (3mb) portrait photo of Roberto Cazzulo is available at: https://iacs.s3.af-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/25155040/cazzulo_11-scaled.jpg
  1. More information about IACS can be found by visiting iacs.org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at http://www.iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review/

IACS PARTICIPATION AT MEPC 80

In demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and within its remit as the Organization’s principal technical advisor, IACS will actively participate in the forthcoming 80th session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80), which will meet at the IMO Headquarters in London, from Monday 3 to Friday 7 July 2023.

Noting the work IACS Members perform as Recognized Organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieve clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted or co-sponsored the following papers:

MEPC 80/4/12 discusses concerns about the temporary storage of treated sewage and grey water in the ballast tanks and provides a draft technical and operational guidance for temporarily storing treated sewage and/or grey water in ballast tanks. The intent of the guidance is to establish a uniform procedure for minimizing the impact on the environment.

MEPC 80/5/4 proposes an amendment to regulation 18.4 of MARPOL Annex VI related to gaseous and low-flashpoint fuels.

MEPC 80/6/1 proposes a revision of MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.6 on Unified Interpretations to MARPOL Annex VI to clarify the reporting of boil-off gas (BOG) consumed on board ships in the IMO Data Collection System (IMO DCS).

MEPC 80/6/8 seeks clarification of the term “filling rate for gas fuel tanks” used in paragraph 2.2.1 for fDFgas of the 2022 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the attained Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships (resolution MEPC.364(79)). Noting that the footnote in the table of paragraph 4.2.3.2 of the 2022 Guidelines on the survey and certification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) (resolution MEPC.365(79)) leaves room for interpretation, this document proposes a revision of the footnote.

MEPC 80/14/1 proposes a new output to amend the 2017 Guidelines addressing additional aspects of the NOx Technical Code 2008 with regard to particular requirements related to marine diesel engines fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems (resolution MEPC.291(71) as amended by resolution MEPC.313(74)) (the 2017 SCR Guidelines), with a view to facilitating the consistent and global implementation of the requirements.

MEPC 80/16/1 proposes action on a minor issue relevant to the EGCS Electronic Record Book (ERB) appearing in paragraphs 4.4.9 and 5.7.1 of 2021 Guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems (MEPC.340(77)), to introduce a footnote referring to Guidelines for the use of electronic record books under MARPOL (resolution MEPC.312(74)) with a view to facilitating uniform and universal implementation.

MEPC 80/INF.5 contains a copy of the 2022 Industry guidelines for calculation and verification of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the role of the verifier in conducting the verification of EEDI.

MEPC 80/INF.20 informs of the publication of IACS Recommendation No.175 on the “SEEMP/CII implementation guidelines” following the adoption of resolutions MEPC.346(78), MEPC.347(78), MEPC.352(78), MEPC.353(78), MEPC.338(76), MEPC.354(78) and MEPC.355(78).

IACS will also support the initiation of the work on carbon capture and storage (CCS) to be discussed under agenda item 7 (Reduction of GHG emissions from ships).

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Konstantin Petrov, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at arimo@iacs.org.uk

IACS PARTICIPATION AT MSC 107

In demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and within its remit as the Organization’s principal technical advisor, IACS will actively participate in the forthcoming 107th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 107), which will meet from Wednesday, 31 May to Friday, 9 June 2023.

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as Recognized Organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieve clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted and co-sponsored the following papers:

MSC 107/12/2 provides comments on paragraph 2.14 of document MSC 107/12 and proposes amendments to the application statement contained in the cover note of resolution MSC.188(79)/Rev.1, with a view towards uniform and universal implementation.

MSC 107/14/1 provides comments on paragraph 2.33 of document MSC 107/14 regarding application date of the draft unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/26.2 for single essential propulsion components as set out in annex 16 to document SSE 9/20. IACS recommends to the Committee the date of application to be 1 January 2024.

MSC 107/14/2 provides comments on paragraph 2.10 of document MSC 107/14 relating to the draft amendments to SOLAS regulation II-2/20 contained in annex 5 to document SSE 9/20. IACS identified inconsistencies and ambiguities in the draft amendments to SOLAS and proposes further modifications to the text to address these findings.

MSC 107/14/3 provides comments on paragraph 2.22 of document MSC 107/14 and proposed modifications to the amendments of the draft MSC circular on the Revised unified interpretations of SOLAS chapter II-2 and the FSS and FTP Codes (MSC.1/Circ.1456) to bring them in line with the corresponding draft amendments to SOLAS regulation II-2/7.5.5, contained in annexes 11 and 5 to document SSE 9/20.

MSC 107/14/5 provides comments on paragraph 2.6 of document MSC 107/14 regarding draft amendments of paragraph 6.1.2.10 of chapter VI of the LSA Code, and proposes editorial improvements and consequential changes, as well as raising technical concerns for future work.

MSC 107/17/3 proposes to include a new output in the strategic plan of the Organization and on the provisional agenda of the SDC Sub-Committee to amend the Revised guidance on shipboard towing and mooring equipment (MSC.1/Circ.1175/Rev.1) to update the technical guidance provided by the circular.

MSC 107/17/4 proposes a new output to amend paragraph 2.1.2.5 of chapter 5 of the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code), as amended by resolution MSC.206(81), so as to align the construction requirement for gaskets used in discharge piping for fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems located within protected spaces with requirements for gaskets in piping systems addressed in other IMO instruments.

MSC 107/17/6 proposes to include a new output in the Strategic Plan of the Organization and on the provisional agenda for CCC Sub-Committee to permit lashing software as a supplement to the container stowage and securing plan by revising circular MSC.1/Circ.1353/Rev.2.

MSC 107/17/10 proposes a new output for the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) to develop requirements for software maintenance of shipboard navigation and communication equipment and systems, to ensure that software maintenance carried out on such equipment is conducted in a controlled, safe and secure manner.

MSC 107/17/21 proposes a new output to undertake a regulatory assessment of safety aspects associated with reducing GHG emissions from ships in line with the Organization’s strategy (resolution MEPC.304(72), as revised) and to develop a road map to support the safe delivery of IMO’s GHG reduction strategy.

MSC 107/17/22 proposes a new output to develop amendments to circular MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1 on Revised Guidelines for the maintenance and inspections of fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems to clarify the testing and inspection requirements of CO2 cylinders.

MSC 107/17/24 proposes an approach to organizing the work of the Committee including a timeline and a format of the road map for the regulatory assessment and delivery of the regulatory framework as proposed in document MSC 107/17/21.

MSC 107/INF.10 provides the updated status of the work which is undertaken to address the IACS “common” observations as of 28 February 2023.

IACS will also contribute to the discussions under agenda item 3 (Consideration and adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments), agenda item 4 (Goal-based new ship construction standards), agenda item 5 (Development of a goal-based instrument for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)), and agenda item 6 (Development of further measures to enhance the safety of ships relating to the use of fuel oil).

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Konstantin Petrov, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at arimo@iacs.org.uk

IACS PARTICIPATION AT CCC 9

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as Recognized Organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieve clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted or co-sponsored the following papers:

CCC 9/3/3 proposes amendments to paragraphs 7.3.1.3 and 9.4.1 of part A-1 of the IGF Code based on the experience gained to date in the application of the Code. The co-sponsors proposed as an alternative arrangement the use of non- return valves in lieu of the requirement for emergency shutdown (ESD) valves, as these are deemed to provide an equivalent level of protection for tank inlets safety relief valve discharge lines.

CCC 9/3/4 summarizes IACS comments after applying the Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using fuel cell power installations (MSC.1/Circ.1647) and provides suggestions for improvement in the following matters: terminology, fire and safety, control monitoring, risk analysis, testing of fuel cell power system, alternative design requirements, fuel cell modules supplied in metallic enclosures, and fuel cell spaces and arrangements. The items listed will benefit from further clarification based on the experience gained.

CCC 9/3/14 provides specific technical comments on the draft interim guidelines for ships using ammonia as fuel contained in annex 4 of document CCC 9/3 as proposed by Japan and as modified by the Correspondence Group.

CCC 9/3/15 provides detailed comments on annex 1 of document CCC 9/3 containing the draft interim guidelines for ships using hydrogen as fuel.

CCC 9/5/6 proposes amendments to the individual cargo schedules in appendix 1 to the IMSBC Code to delete superfluous requirements for additional self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs).

CCC 9/10 proposes draft unified interpretations of appendix 1 – Individual schedules of solid bulk cargoes of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code) (resolution MSC.268(85)), to facilitate uniform and universal implementation of the MHB schedules of cargoes. IACS highlights the relevance of applying paragraph 4.3.2 of standard IEC 60092-506:2003 to MHB cargoes capable of creating an explosive gas atmosphere.

CCC 9/10/1 proposes a draft interpretation of the requirements of the IGC Code (paragraphs 4.4.1, 4.5, 4.6.2.1 and 4.6.2.4) and the 1983 IGC Code (paragraphs 4.7.1, 4.7.3, 4.7.4.1 and 4.7.7) related to secondary barrier testing. This unified interpretation applies to all gas carriers provided with membrane containment systems as defined in paragraph 4.1.5 of the IGC and in paragraph 4.2.2 of the 1983 IGC Code, except as otherwise explicitly indicated.

CCC 9/10/2 proposes draft unified interpretations (UIs) in relation to paragraphs 4.23.1.1, 4.23.1.2, 4.23.2.5, 4.23.4, 4.23.3.1, 4.23.3.2, 5.2.2.1, 5.12.4, 5.12.3.1, 8.1, 9.4.4, 16.3.4, 17.1 and 17.4 of the IGC Code, as contained in annex 1. Should the Sub-Committee choose to amend the IGC Code instead of agreeing to the UIs in annex 1 of the paper, in annex 2 IACS prepared draft amendments to the IGC Code (i.e., incorporating same UIs into the IGC Code) for the consideration of the Sub-Committee as part of the current work on the Revision of the IGC Code under agenda item 4 of CCC 9.

CCC 9/INF.16 provides information on gap analysis between ammonia as fuel and the IGF Code for LNG, taking into account the different properties, behaviours and hazards/risks.

CCC 9/INF.17 provides the outcome of the gap analysis on the application of the provisions of the IGF Code in relation to hydrogen as fuel.  IACS suggests that this information may also be considered while further developing the draft interim guidelines for hydrogen as fuel.

IACS will also contribute to the discussions under agenda item 4 (review of the IGC Code), item 7 (revision of the interim recommendations for carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk), and item 8 (Revision of the revised recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships (resolution A.1050(27)).

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Konstantin Petrov, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at arimo@iacs.org.uk

IACS Develops New Wave Data Scatter Diagram

As part of IACS’ ongoing commitment to safe ships and clean seas, a long-term review of wave data has now concluded with the publication of a revised version (Rev.2) of IACS Recommendation No. 34 which provides advice on sea states as well as wave spectrum, spreading, heading distribution and vessel speed.

Accurate Wave data remains of paramount importance as this data is used to represent the ocean environment, underpinning wave load prescription, which in turn, greatly impacts hull structural requirements. IACS Recommendation No. 34 describes wave statistics intended for design of sea-going ships above 90 meters including the effect of bad weather avoidance. It is based on North Atlantic trade, which represents the most severe conditions ships tend to operate in.

Following indications that the representation of North Atlantic waves in the existing IACS Recommendation No. 34 may have become outdated, IACS began work in 2016 on a long-term review of wave data tasked with investigating if and how Recommendation No. 34 could be improved using more recent data sources, with modern data showing both an increase in mean significant wave height for the North Atlantic and that more extreme weather is being experienced in recent years, including the existence of rogue waves and the possible effects of climate change.

Several sources of wave data, including altimetry (measurements from satellite), hindcast model (re-analysis of past weather), and wave buoys were used to derive the scatter diagram from a combination of vessel tracks and hindcast wave data.  These new, more modern, data sources represent a significant improvement in the quality of data, given that previous wave data was collected in the second half of the 20th century from visual observations on board ships.

The IACS Project team Global hindcast datasets are built on global coverage over an extended period of time and have been analysed and validated through the use of measurements from buoys and altimeters. By taking into consideration publicly available AIS ship position data, this allowed the wave data to be mapped to actual ship position & time when generating the corresponding statistics whose analysis showed that bad weather avoidance had a significant impact on the wave statistics of the sea states encountered.

The resulting updated simple scatter diagram, using validated datasets of wave data and ship positions will facilitate more accurate estimation of design loads such as pressures, motions, accelerations, hull girder loads, all contributing to the improved standardisation of safety levels of the fleet. This data will be used by individual Classification Societies when reviewing their current rule requirements including, by IACS Members, for Common Structural Rules.  This significant new data source will also be of value to other industry stakeholders who use wave data for individual projects.

Commenting on the publication of this latest recommendation, IACS Secretary General, Robert Ashdown, said ‘This extensive, long-term project to update and improve one of the key data sources that go into modern ship design is indicative of IACS’ ongoing commitment to safer shipping and provides a valuable tool for all other stakeholders who rely on accurate wave data in their work’.

IACS PARTICIPATION AT SDC 9

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as Recognized Organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with the IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieve clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted or co-sponsored the following papers:

SDC 9/7/1 comments on the report of the Correspondence Group on “Safety Objective and Functional Requirements for the SOLAS chapter II-1”, as provided in document SDC 9/7, and recommends performing identification of the failure mode(s)/hazards(s) being addressed by the existing prescriptive regulations, to ensure the alternative design and arrangements requirements adequately consider the intent of the existing regulations.

SDC 9/10 clarifies the necessary documentation in order to support the Administration or RO in verifying compliance with SOLAS regulation II-1/3-8 and proposes an interpretation, as set out in the annex.

SDC 9/10/1 follows on IACS document SDC 8/10/7 and responds to the Sub-Committee’s invitation to further consider the applicability of prototype testing of bulkhead/deck penetrations to ship types (cargo ships and/or passenger ships). IACS review concluded that there is no similar requirement or related explanatory note for testing bulkhead penetrations on cargo ships, hence the new interpretation proposed by IACS is only applicable to passenger ships. The interpretation clarifies that SOLAS regulation II-1/13 should be applicable to heat sensitive piping systems and should not be applied to cable penetrations in watertight bulkheads and decks.

SDC 9/10/2 proposes a draft interpretation of amendments of SOLAS chapter II-1 adopted by resolutions MSC.474(102) and MSC.482(103), concerning the expressions “ships constructed before 1 January 2024” and “Multiple hold cargo ships other than bulk carriers and tankers constructed on or after 1 January 2024.

SDC 9/10/3 proposes a revision of the annex to the Unified Interpretations of the 2008 Intact Stability Code (MSC.1/Circ.1537/Rev.1) so that the scope of application of the specific down-flooding points (ventilators, fitted with weathertight closing appliances, serving machinery spaces that are required to remain open) mentioned in paragraph 2 applies to the entirety of the 2008 Intact Stability Code (parts A and B).

SDC 9/12 proposes a correction to paragraph 2.2.2 of the Revised performance standards for water level detectors on bulk carriers and single hold cargo ships other than bulk carriers (resolution MSC.188(79)/Rev.1) to clearly distinguish installation heights of detectors between requirements of applicable SOLAS regulations.

SDC 9/15 discusses the impact of the proposals against existing regulations, the lack of technical justification to apply new draft requirements to the family of bulk carriers and recommends that without clear justification for specific ship type(s) the Sub-Committee invites MSC to only note the proposals in document MSC 102/21/9/Rev.1.

IACS will also provide advice and comments to the Sub-Committee on a number of other issues, both in plenary and in the Working Groups that are expected to be established. IACS will contribute to the discussions also on agenda item 5 (Review of the guidelines for the reduction of underwater noise) and item 11 (Revision of the Interim explanatory notes for the assessment of passenger ship systems’ capabilities after a fire or flooding casualty (MSC.1/Circ.1369) and related circulars).

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Konstantin Petrov, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at arimo@iacs.org.uk

IACS PARTICIPATION AT SSE 9

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as Recognized Organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with the IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieve clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted or co-sponsored the following papers:

SSE 9/14 proposes to amend the interpretation of the separation of galley ducts from spaces contained in MSC.1/Circ.1276, to align it with SOLAS, as amended by resolution MSC.365(93).

SSE 9/14/1 proposes a revised draft interpretation of SOLAS regulations II-2/19.3.4.1 and II-2/19.3.5.4, pertaining to required air changes for the carriage of dangerous goods.

SSE 9/14/2 provides a draft interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-2/9.7.4.5 focusing on the fire insulation requirements for vertical ducts which pass through both a bulkhead and a deck, without serving the spaces they pass through.

SSE 9/14/3 seeks clarification on the implementation of paragraphs 6.1.1.3 and 6.1.2.6 of the LSA Code in respect to the hoisting-up of a dedicated rescue boat on a cargo ship from its stowed position for subsequent slewing out to ship’s side, and proposes an interpretation, with a view towards facilitating universal and uniform application.

SSE 9/14/4 proposes amendments to MSC.1/Circ.1416/Rev.1 based on practical implementation of the interpretation, with a view to facilitating the universal and uniform implementation of requirements for “non-traditional steering systems”.

SSE 9/15/1 considers the alternatives to fluorinated fire-fighting foam concentrates available for inclusion in ships’ fire-fighting systems, and the intent of the PFOS ban approved by MSC 106; and comments on the draft revised text of MSC.1/Circ.1312, as being considered in document SSE 9/15 (Secretariat).

SSE 9/19/3 comments on document SSE 9/19 and presents further modifications to paragraph 4 of draft interim guidelines on safe operation of onshore power supply (OPS) service in port. The proposal is offered in the event that the original text for paragraphs 4.2 and 4.5 of the draft interim guidelines is not kept as appears in document SSE 8/18/1.

SSE 9/19/4 suggests due consideration of safety and environmental impacts with respect to pressure/vacuum (P/V) valves when amending MSC/Circ.677 regarding reference to ISO standard 15364.

IACS will also provide advice and comments to the Sub-Committee on a number of other issues, both in plenary and in the Working and Drafting Groups that are expected to be established.

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Mr Konstantin Petrov, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at arimo@iacs.org.uk

IACS Adopts New Unified Requirement On Buckling Strength Assessment of Ship Structural Elements (UR S35)

Ship operations take place in hostile and corrosive environments meaning that the structural strength of the ship’s hull may deteriorate with time leading to buckling or structural instability.  Buckling has long been recognised as one of the main modes of failure of ship structural elements and IACS has, for many years, had in place a number of Resolutions to address this.

Recognising, however, that the rules for buckling varied across different IACS Unified Requirements (URs), such as S11, S11A, S21, S21A and Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (CSR for BC & OT), in 2018 IACS agreed to develop a standalone Unified Requirement (UR) dedicated for buckling strength assessment using the net thickness approach.  This has resulted in the publication of UR S35 “Buckling Strength Assessment of Ship Structural Elements” which will enter into force on 1 July 2024.

The new harmonised methodology for buckling has been developed applying the toolbox in the Common Structural Rules (CSR) for Bulk Carriers & Oil Tankers which are widely accepted as being technically sound and which have been implemented, maintained and improved over the years with industry’s expertise and experience feeding into the continuous improvement of CSR.

In harmonising the buckling methodology, improvements have been made on the global elastic buckling mode for stiffened panels subject to combined loads (biaxial loads, in-plane shear force and lateral pressure), the torsional buckling mode for stiffeners, buckling strength of U-type stiffeners, plates with opening and also plate panels fitted with sniped stiffeners.

Thorough verification and consequence assessments have been carried out by extensive linear and nonlinear FE analyses, with the harmonised requirements showing increased accuracy and effectiveness.  The application of the buckling requirements such as scope, loading and permissible utilisation factor will be described in individual UR S series, e.g. in UR S21 on Evaluation of Scantlings of Hatch Covers and Hatch Coamings.

The new UR S35 will serve as an independent buckling toolbox regardless of ship types by collating, as far as possible general requirements on buckling together in one UR.  A further benefit arising from the development of UR S35, is to facilitate the merger of the UR S21 and UR S21A (which currently address different ship types) into a single UR S21 Rev.6 also with an entry-into-force date 01 July 2024 to align with that of UR S35.

Commenting on this new UR S35, IACS Secretary General, Robert Ashdown, said “the adoption of a unified approach to buckling is a significant step in making the rule application check of different ship types easier for Industry but also in enhancing the maintenance of future buckling rule improvements by IACS.  Furthermore, it also facilitates the further harmonisation of other relevant IACS resolutions that will also be of benefit to the industry.”

Contact: Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General
E: robertashdown@iacs.org.uk T: +44 (0) 20 7976 0660

International Association of Classification Societies
Permanent Secretariat 4 Matthew Parker Street, London, England SW1H 9NP

E: permsec@iacs.org.uk

T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660

Notes to Editors:

  1. Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development. More than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the eleven Member Societies of IACS. 
  1. More information about IACS can be found by visiting iacs.org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at http://www.iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review/

IACS PARTICIPATION AT PPR 10

Noting the work IACS Members undertake as Recognized Organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with the IMO agreed requirements, and with a view to achieve clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted or co-sponsored the following papers:

PPR 10/14  proposes a draft unified interpretation for the form of the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) referred to in regulation 18 (Fuel oil availability and quality) of MARPOL Annex VI, to confirm that BDNs are acceptable in either hard copy or digital form providing they meet the relevant requirements of MARPOL Annex VI.

PPR 10/17/2 addresses the issues of compliance with the sampling point location requirements in MEPC.1/Circ.864/Rev.1 related to the fuel oil lines serving the emergency generator. The paper considers the need to revise MEPC.1/Circ.864/Rev.1 to define alternative fuel oil sample point location arrangement for the tank serving the emergency generator.

IACS will also provide advice and comments to the Sub-Committee on a number of other issues, both in plenary and in the Working Groups that are expected to be established. IACS will contribute to the discussions also on agenda items 3, 5, 7 and 17.

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Konstantin Petrov, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at arimo@iacs.org.uk

IACS PARTICIPATION AT NCSR 10

IACS has submitted/co-sponsored the following papers:

NCSR 10/16/3 proposes clarification of the application of the updated ISO 799:2019 standard, related to the existing footnote in the SOLAS consolidated edition 2020 where pilot ladders complying with ISO 799:2004 may need to be replaced with those complying with ISO 799:2019. In addition, potential modifications are proposed for MSC.1/Circ.1428 to be included in the poster to assist with the understanding of the IMO requirements.

NCSR 10/21/1 identifies gaps and/or inconsistencies existing in circular COMSAR.1/Circ.32/Rev.1 and proposes related amendments with a view towards uniform and universal implementation of GMDSS requirements.

IACS will also provide advice and comments to the Sub-Committee on items related to the development of guidelines for the use of electronic record books under SOLAS regulation V/28; pilot transfer arrangements and the  amendments to SOLAS regulation V/23 and resolution A.1045(27).

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Mr Konstantin Petrov, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at arimo@iacs.org.uk.