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IACS is pleased to announce that the 2022 IACS Annual Review is now available to download from our website at https://iacs.org.uk/about-us/annual-review

This year’s Annual Review includes a broad range of articles on IACS’ work in 2022, with a strong emphasis on the wide range of decarbonisation initiatives being led by IACS in support of practical implementation of existing measures as well as longer-term projects, along with our work at IMO highlighting the safety challenges that accompany the rapid introduction of new fuels and technologies.  Quality performance is another dominant theme while IACS’ unparalleled commitment to the full spectrum of IMO activity is also described as is IACS’ cross-industry collaboration across a range of key topics.

These themes are expanded upon in a series of detailed technical articles on wave data, ballast water, cyber safety and testing and maintenance services to name but a few.

The Annual Review also includes details of all the new, updated, and deleted IACS Resolutions in 2022, as well as information on IACS’ numerous submissions to IMO and our ‘Class Report’, which contains data on the IACS fleet.

Please do not hesitate to contact IACS Permanent Secretariat at permsec@iacs.org.uk if you would like a hard copy of the 2022 Annual Review.

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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. 

2. More information about IACS can be found by visiting iacs.org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at https://iacs.org.uk/about-us/annual-review.

In an increasingly digitalised and interconnected world, where the maritime industry continues to adopt, at pace, new digital technologies, it remains imperative to focus on cyber threats and attacks that could compromise operations, safety and data integrity.

To address the need to enhance the cyber resilience of ships, last year IACS published UR E26 “Cyber Resilience of Ships”, and UR E27, “Cyber Resilience of On-Board Systems and Equipment”, which applied to new ships from 1 January 2024.

Since the publication of these requirements, and as experience of cyber security oversight in the maritime sector grows, the need for a standardized approach to survey requirements has been identified along with further enhancements resulting from industry feedback.

Additionally, and to address the challenges regarding the implementation of new cyber requirements in smaller and non-conventional vessels, the scope of applicability of these URs have been categorised as mandatory and non-mandatory compliance depending on vessel types and sizes.

These improvements have resulted in extensive changes to the two URs and so they will now supersede the originals and will be applied to new ships contracted for construction on and after 1 July 2024.  To avoid confusion, the original versions, along with their previous application date of 1 Jan 2024, have been withdrawn. The revised version of URE27 is available on the IACS website (https://iacs.org.uk/resolutions/unified-requirements/ur-e).  The revised version of URE26 is still being finalized and will be published before the end of the year.

IACS Secretary General, Robert Ashdown, said ‘Incorporating industry feedback to ensure IACS requirements are clear in their applicability and are capable of being consistently applied in ship surveys, is important in ensuring that measures to enhance cyber resilience have the desired impact.  As a result, and given that the original requirements had not yet entered into force, IACS has decided to apply only the revised requirements from 1 July 2024.  It is believed that industry will welcome the clarity that this decision brings.’

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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.

2. IACS Unified Requirements are adopted resolutions on matters directly connected to or covered by specific Rule requirements and practices of classification societies and the general philosophy on which the rules and practices of classification societies are established. Unified Requirements are minimum requirements. Each Member remains free to set more stringent requirements.

3. 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 today welcomed Türk Loydu into membership, after a successful verification of their compliance with the IACS Membership Criteria.

Membership of IACS is dependent solely on meeting a range of qualitative criteria, including compliance with the industry’s gold-standard, Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS).  Meeting this standard requires independent, external accreditation, vertical contract audits of a number of ships both in service and under construction as well as Head Office and Survey Location audits.  Applicants also need to demonstrate conformity with the functional requirements of the IMO’s Goal-based Ship Construction Standards for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers as well as a range of other criteria related to their ability to provide classification and statutory services and to support the full range of IACS’ activities.

This thorough and robust application process provides IACS with assurance that the entire Türk Loydu fleet is in full compliance with all IACS Resolutions, with the exception of some ships that are readily identifiable on the Türk Loydu website.  In accordance with IACS’ Membership criteria, these ships will also either become fully compliant within 3 years or will need to de-classified by Türk Loydu after that period.

During this time, Türk Loydu ’s status will be that of a non-voting member of IACS but meeting the same minimum quality standards and with equal rights of participation in all IACS working groups.

Türk Loydu ’s achievement in meeting the performance levels required of IACS members marks a further improvement in maritime safety by bringing their classed ships under the oversight of IACS’ rigorous QSCS regime.

IACS Chair, Nick Brown, welcomed Türk Loydu saying ‘I am pleased to see that Türk Loydu’s long-standing commitment to reaching the standards required of IACS Members has enabled them to join the Association.  I look forward to working with our new member as we address, collectively, the many challenges that face a maritime industry transitioning to new fuels, technologies and digital applications.’

Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General, stated ’I congratulate Türk Loydu on their achievement in becoming an IACS Member and thank their management and staff for the excellent cooperation displayed during the intensive application process.  Türk Loydu’s success demonstrates that IACS’ challenging but achievable Membership Criteria provide a catalyst for improving the quality of class societies and the consequent enhancement of maritime safety.’

 

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.

2. Türk Loydu is a global Classification Society and a Conformity Assessment Body. Türk Loydu was founded in 1962 and its headquarters is based in Istanbul, Türkiye. Türk Loydu provides a wide range of services, including classification of ships, statutory services, certification of marine products, certification of systems and personnel, industrial assessments, risk assessments, notified body activities, and all relevant certification services. For further information please contact: Mr. Mehmet Avci, External Affairs Manager mavci@turkloydu.org
3. More details on IACS’ Commitment to Quality can be found at iacs.org.uk/quality/

4. A list of Türk Loydu vessels that are not currently compliant with all IACS Resolutions can be found at https://www.turkloydu.org/en-us/customer-support-services/ship-information-system.aspx
5. 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/

1. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on various maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation initiatives.

 

2. The LOI was signed by Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA and Mr Nick Brown, Council Chairman of IACS, at the sidelines of the 33^rd session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly (A33) in London today.

 

3. Under the LOI, both parties will consider the development of technical standards and unified requirements[1] to ensure that new maritime solutions are safely implemented. The LOI will focus on key areas such as smart and autonomous ships, digitalisation and cybersecurity, marine electrification, and the use of zero- and low-carbon fuels onboard vessels.

 

4. As part of the collaboration, both parties will have regular information and knowledge exchange, including discussions on industry challenges and opportunities, standards, best practices, and emerging technologies.

 

5. Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said, “As we advance and accelerate the development of new technologies and solutions which benefit the global maritime community, it is important for harmonised standards to be adopted to ensure that these solutions can be implemented safely. We look forward to contributing and working closely with IACS to shape and develop standards that can help to ensure the safety of seafarers and protection of the marine environment”.

 

6. Mr Nick Brown, IACS Chair, stated “This novel arrangement with the Singapore MPA will assist IACS’ efforts to keep safety at the forefront of the decarbonisation agenda by facilitating access to the data and expertise of one of shipping’s key bunkering and global hub ports.  By looking at the entire future fuel supply chain, IACS will be better able to address all the risk and mitigation measures that will need to be implemented onboard vessels and so ensure that safety considerations are front and centre when evaluating the prioritisation and deployment of the new fuels and technologies necessary to support the industry’s transition to a decarbonised future.”

 

About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

MPA was established on 2 February 1996 with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre, and to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore’s port and maritime development, taking on the roles of port authority, maritime and port regulator and planner, international maritime centre champion, national maritime representative and a champion of digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts at regional and international fora such as at the International Maritime Organization. MPA partners industry, research community and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our waters, facilitate maritime and port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and develops maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation policies and plans, R&D and manpower development. MPA is responsible for the overall development and growth of the maritime domain and Port of Singapore. In 2022, Singapore remained one of the world’s busiest transshipment hubs with a container throughput of 37.3 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

For more information, please visit https://www.mpa.gov.sg

For media enquiries, please contact:

Gerald Kheng

MPA Corporate Communications

Email: gerald_kheng@mpa.gov.sg

 

About IACS

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. More information about IACS can be found by visiting www.iacs.org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at http://www.iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review/

 For media enquiries, please contact:

Robert Ashdown

IACS Secretary General
Email: robertashdown@iacs.org.uk

T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660

 

[1] Unified requirements are adopted resolutions by IACS on matters directly connected to or covered by specific rule requirements and practices of classification societies and the general philosophy on which the rules and practices of classification societies are established.

IACS Council, meeting last week in London for its 88^th session (C88), welcomed the significant progress being made by the Association to deliver measures to ensure the safe decarbonisation of the industry.  Work towards Unified Requirements (UR) in support of battery power, hydrogen and carbon capture is well advanced while a UR on Ammonia as a fuel will be published imminently.  Alongside IACS submissions to IMO, IACS is meeting its commitment to working closely with flags and industry in the shared drive to decarbonise, most recently through the signing of a Letter of Intent with Singapore and the establishment of a joint industry working group on safe decarbonisation.

As the scale and pace of digitalisation within shipping continues to accelerate, IACS Council emphasised that implementing the many and varied benefits of digital solutions can also introduce new safety risks to the ship.  To support industry in managing these changes safely, and recognising the multi-decadal nature of the challenge, C88 agreed to establish a new ‘Safe Digital Transformation Panel’ (SDTP).   Bringing all IACS’ current digitalisation activities within a single forum allows for issues such as MASS, cyber safety, data management & exchange and digital assurance, as well as their associated regulatory structures, to be taken forward in a holistic manner.  As with the Safe Decarbonisation Panel, IACS’ new SDTP will focus its attention on the safety implications that accompany increasingly digitised ships and on working closely with industry and equipment manufacturers to ensure that its work programme is carefully tailored to meet the needs and priorities of the shipbuilding and shipowning communities.

Elsewhere at C88, Council was advised that all IACS QSCS audits returned to pre-COVID levels in 2023 and also welcomed the substantial progress that the International Quality Review Body (IQARB) is making in achieving wider recognition at IMO while also expanding to non-IACS ROs and in allowing greater flag State participation.  C88 also noted IACS ongoing engagement with the IMO, both in its contribution to the committees (over 150 papers submitted in the last 24 months) as well as in support of the IMO Secretariat.

Finally, C88 endorsed the election of the new General Policy Group Chair, Dr. Ajay Asok (ClassNK) who will take over from Mr. Li Zhiyuan (CCS) on 1 July 2024.

The IACS Council also met with a number of industry association representatives where useful exchanges were held on the implications of decarbonisation for seafarers and port operations, IACS’ plan for industry consultation on the evolution of common structural rules and the consequential impacts, the outcomes from Tripartite and IQARB.

C88 was also the last meeting under the tenure of Mr. Nick Brown (CEO LR), whose term as Chair of the Association finishes at the end of the year and who will handle over to Mr. Roberto Cazzulo (RINA) on 1 January 2024.

Speaking after C88, the IACS Chair said

“I am delighted that IACS new governance arrangements, which saw me become the first elected Chair, have demonstrably improved the agility and responsiveness of IACS.  This has allowed us to launch the Safe Decarbonisation Panel (SDP) and the Safe Digital Transformation Panel which positions IACS well for the two major challenges of our time.  In combination with our efforts to embed Human Element considerations across the IACS work programme, we are now well positioned to quickly develop and publish common technical requirements necessary for the various alternative fuels and technologies and digital solutions that are being considered by the industry.”

Incoming Chair, Roberto Cazzulo stated “I am keen to become the IACS Council Chair for 2024-2025. In my experience, I have never seen a moment like this, with great challenges as well as great opportunities for class. A lot of work planned in the next couple of years within IACS will be about safe decarbonization and safe digitalization, contributing to the IMO strategy, not forgetting the human element and the role of surveyors and technical staff dealing with novel technologies.”

 

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.
2. 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. A high resolution (3mb) portrait photo of Roberto Cazzulo is available at: Click here
3. Ajay Asok Kumar is currently a member of General Policy Group (GPG) Chair Team in IACS Secretariat, London. Prior to this, he has held various positions at ClassNK in Japan as Manager of External Affairs Department, Senior Ship Surveyor, Management Systems Auditor and Plan Approval Engineer. He has also worked as a Senior Engineer at Mazagon Docks Ltd, India. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Naval Architecture & Ship Building from Cochin University of Science & Technology, India and Master’s & Doctoral Degrees in Environmental and Ocean Engineering from University of Tokyo, Japan. A photo of Dr. Ajay Asok Kumar can be found at Click here
4. 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/