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IACS deeply regrets the circumstances that have resulted in this decision and hopes that hostilities in Ukraine will cease as soon as possible, and that peace will return to the region.

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 on the work IACS has undertaken in response to the COVID19 pandemic can be found on our dedicated webpage http://iacs.org.uk/covid-19/ 

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/

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 9/11/1 proposes to clarify the test cycle application by amending the NOx Technical Code 2008 and MARPOL Annex VI Appendix II (regulation 13) by expanding the scope of the E3 and C1 test cycles. IACS also requests clarification from the Sub-Committee on related matters as described in paragraphs 16, 20 and 21 with the aim to facilitate discussions on the use of multiple Engine Operational Profiles, which are linked to the certification test cycles, noting that the current MARPOL Annex VI and the NOX Technical Code test cycle requirements do not adequately address application to variable-speed/variable-load engines used for main propulsion or ship power generation.

PPR 9/14/2 comments on document PPR 9/14 containing the report of the Correspondence Group on Amendments of MARPOL Annex IV and Associated Guidelines and proposes additional considerations regarding the definitions of “new ship”, “existing hip” and “passenger ship”, as well as modifications to the relevant regulations to further develop the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex IV.

PPR 9/14/3 comments on document PPR 9/14 and presents additional amendments in relation to items due for consideration which include: amendments to MARPOL Annex IV, paragraph 4.1.3 to address sewage treatment plant (STP) commissioning test; draft amendments to the 2012 Guidelines on implementation of effluent standards and performance tests for sewage treatment plants (MEPC.227(68), as amended by resolution MEPC.284(70)) (the 2012 Guidelines), and the development of the STP performance guidelines.

PPR 9/16 proposes the modification to circular MEPC.1/Circ.895 to clarify the interpretation of paragraph 4.4.6.1 of chapter 4 of the NOX Technical Code 2008, that due to the recent diversification of engines in consideration of NOx emission control, the interpretation should in general not be applied to the Engine Family, except where the applicant has provided clear evidence that an Engine Family concept, allowing for different numbers and arrangements of cylinders, will result in same or lower NOX emissions of the engines with different cylinder numbers compared to the NOX emissions of the related parent engine.

PPR 9/16/1 proposes a draft unified interpretation of the application of regulations 14.8 (In-use and onboard fuel oil sampling and testing) and 14.10 (In-use fuel oil sampling point) of MARPOL Annex VI.

PPR 9/16/2 comments on document MEPC 75/3/5 and proposes a unified interpretation of appendix I “Form of International Ballast Water Management Certificate” to the 2004 BWM Convention, concerning the principal ballast water management method(s) employed on the ship in order to issue a certificate in a consistent manner.

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 7, 8, 11 and 19.

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

The significant impact of the COVID19 pandemic on the maritime industry resulted in an increase in the deployment of remote surveys by IACS Members to ensure the maritime industry was able to continue functioning in as smooth and efficient a manner as possible.

Noting many IACS Members introduced remote survey aspects prior to the pandemic, advancements in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) together with the experience and knowledge gained during the pandemic, means that remote surveys will increasingly form part of IACS Members’ operations given the many advantages that can be achieved in terms of practical delivery while ensuring the same quality and safety levels.  A “Remote Survey” is defined as a process of verifying that a ship and its equipment are in compliance with the rules of the Classification Society where the verification is undertaken, or partially undertaken, without attendance on-board by a surveyor.

To ensure all IACS Members have uniform guidance and requirements on remote surveys it was considered essential to develop minimum common requirements for the implementation of remote surveys. This IACS Unified Requirement UR Z29 has therefore been developed to deliver the core objective that a remote survey will only be appropriate when the survey is carried out without compromising the quality and results of such survey, providing the same level of assurance as those performed by a surveyor attending onboard the vessel.  To achieve this fundamental goal, it was essential that IACS developed principles to ensure equivalency between remote survey and traditional survey by establishing a general definition, application scope, conditions and limitations of remote survey together with identification of requirements in terms of training of personnel.

Among the principles and minimum requirements contained within UR Z29 is that the eligibility of the remote survey is to be decided based on type and scope of the requested survey as detailed in the UR Z29 and, if applicable, with flag State Administration acceptance where statutory survey requirements are also involved.  A remote survey is deemed eligible when it provides the same level of assurance as a survey with physical attendance on-board of a surveyor.  A balance will be found between remote surveys and physical attendance to ensure the sustainability and robustness of the current classification and statutory systems.  Remote surveys are generally to be carried out with internet connection allowing a live streaming visual examination, although, in certain circumstances, an appropriate combination of remote survey methods may be used.

IACS Secretary General, Robert Ashdown, said “with the development of this UR, IACS Members have once again demonstrated their ability to rapidly harness innovative technology and survey techniques for the benefit of the maritime industry without any reduction in the levels of quality or assurance expected of, and provided by, class surveys.”  IACS will also actively participate in the upcoming discussions at IMO on incorporating Remote Survey requirements into a regulatory framework that supports new technology while strengthening maritime safety and contributing to the protection of the environment.

IACS Unified Requirement on Remote Classification Surveys UR Z29 will enter into force on 01 January 2023.

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. More information on the work IACS has undertaken in response to the COVID19 pandemic can be found on our dedicated webpage http://iacs.org.uk/covid-19/ 

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/

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 105/2/2 follows up on the document submitted by IACS to the thirty-second Assembly of IMO and offers suggestions for an approach to, and preliminary views on, the risks associated with the new fuels and technologies currently being researched and trialled by entities seeking to deliver a safe zero-CO2-emitting ship.

MSC 105/3/4 considers the necessity for standard definitions in the situations when terms such as “fitted”, “provided”, “installed” or “installation” are used in non-mandatory instrument, to provide a clear understanding of the intended meaning of such terms. Further, a proposal to adjust MSC.1/Circ.1500/Rev.1 to account for the building contract in those definitions is offered.

MSC 105/3/5 proposes additional modifications to the forms of Safety equipment certificate for cargo ships and Safety radio certificate for cargo ships and other forms, in line with the draft amendments to SOLAS chapters III and IV, and its appendix (Certificates), as approved by MSC 104 for adoption at MSC 105; and seeks clarification of the Committee on the date by which the certificate should be reissued.

MSC 105/15/1 clarifies paragraph 2.2.2 of the appendix to the draft revised Performance standards for water level detectors on ships subject to SOLAS regulations II-1/25, II-1/25-1 and XII/12, which was finalized at SDC 8 and submitted to MSC 105 for adoption, and proposes a change pertaining to the measurement of installation height of sensors, with a view towards global and uniform implementation.

MSC 105/19/8 seeks clarification as to whether SOLAS regulation III/20.11 and resolution MSC.402(96) are applicable to inflated rescue boats.

MSC 105/INF.9 provides an update on the status of the work being undertaken to address the IACS “common” observations, arising from the GBS initial verification audit and first maintenance verification, as of 31 January 2022.

IACS will also contribute to the discussions under agenda items 4 (Adoption of the Model Regulations on Domestic Ferry Safety), agenda item 5 (Development of further measures to enhance the safety of ships relating to the use of fuel oil), agenda item 7 (Development of a goal-based instrument for maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS)), agenda item 13 (Implementation of IMO instruments), and agenda item 18 (Work Programme).

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

Recognising that cyber incidents on vessels can have a direct and detrimental impact on life, property, and the environment, IACS has steadily increased its focus on the reliability and functional effectiveness of onboard, safety-critical, computer-based systems.

IACS identified at an early stage that, for ships to be resilient against cyber incidents, all parts of the industry needed to be actively involved, and so convened a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Cyber Systems which helped identify best practices, appropriate existing standards in risk and cyber security, and a practical risk-based approach.

Building on this extensive collaboration, and utilising the experience gained from its existing Recommendations, as well as developments at IMO including, in particular, IMO Resolution MSC.428(98) applicable to in-service vessels since the 1^st of Jan 2021, IACS has adopted two new IACS Unified Requirements (URs) on the cyber resilience of Ships:

UR E26 aims to ensure the secure integration of both Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) equipment into the vessel’s network during the design, construction, commissioning, and operational life of the ship. This UR targets the ship as a collective entity for cyber resilience and covers five key aspects: equipment identification, protection, attack detection, response, and recovery.

UR E27 aims to ensure system integrity is secured and hardened by third-party equipment suppliers. This UR provides requirements for cyber resilience of onboard systems and equipment and provides additional requirements relating to the interface between users and computer-based systems onboard, as well as product design and development requirements for new devices before their implementation onboard ships.

These URs will be applied to new ships contracted for construction on and after 1 January 2024 although the information contained therein may be applied in the interim as non-mandatory guidance.

IACS Secretary-General, Mr. Robert Ashdown stated “These two URs on cyber safety provide minimum goal-based requirements for the cyber resilience of new ships and for the cyber security of onboard systems and equipment.  In an increasingly connected and digitised maritime world, these URs represent a significant milestone in IACS’ work to deliver safer shipping in the face of continuously evolving technological developments.”

Ends/

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 on the work IACS has undertaken in response to the COVID19 pandemic can be found on our dedicated webpage http://iacs.org.uk/covid-19/

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 is pleased to announce that the 2021 IACS Annual Review is now available to download from our website at https://iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review/.

This year’s Annual Review includes a broad range of articles on IACS’ work in 2021 including on the continuous support provided to industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, Safe Decarbonisation, Remote Survey and Cyber Resilience. In addition, there are also in-depth technical articles on Buckling Strength Updates and innovations in the materials used for ship construction along with updates on Quality and Safety with commentary on the positive movement on IQARB and remote audit standards. Further topics include updates on IACS’ international and inter-industry relations including how IACS has been able to adapt and progress with work at the IMO and at various industry meetings.

The Annual Review also includes details of all the new, updated, and deleted IACS Resolutions in 2021, as well as information on IACS’s considerable contributions 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 2021 Annual Review.

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. The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping’s (RS) membership was withdrawn on 11 March 2022 and RS is no longer a Member of IACS. This Annual Review is an overview of IACS’s activities in 2021 including RS’s contribution. 

3. More information on the work IACS has undertaken in response to the COVID19 pandemic can be found on our dedicated webpage https://iacs.org.uk/covid-19/ 

4. 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

Rule Change Proposal 1 (RCP 1) to the Common Structural Rules (CSR for BC & OT), 01 January 2022 version has been released by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).

Page: https://iacs.org.uk/publications/common-structural-rules/csr-for-bulk-carriers-and-oil-tankers/

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 the following papers:

MEPC 78/4 raises concerns about the temporary storage of treated sewage and grey water in the ballast tanks and seeks clarification from the Committee on the permission of such practice under the BWM Convention; also, the document provides possible approaches to be considered, if the permission of such practice is confirmed.

MEPC 78/9 comments on document MEPC 76/9/5 containing proposed changes to the draft amendments to appendix II of MARPOL Annex I, the draft Oil Record Book (ORB) guidance and the draft 2020 Integrated Bilge Water Treatment System (IBTS) guidelines.

MEPC 78/INF.16 provides information on the development of the 2022 IACS guidelines for the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for the purposes of deriving the Vref in the framework of EEXI regulation, which will be incorporated in an IACS Recommendation.

MEPC 78/INF.27 provides IACS’ understanding and recommendations contained in the new draft 2022 IACS guidelines on the implementation of EEXI. The Guidelines will be incorporated in an IACS Recommendation which is to be published soon.

IACS will also provide advice and comments to the Committee under agenda items 3 (Consideration of adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments), agenda item 7 (Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships), agenda item 9 (Pollution Prevention and Response) and agenda item 15 (Any Other Business).

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

IACS has submitted paper NCSR 9/19/1 which considers SOLAS regulation V/22 (requirements for navigation bridge visibility), specifically paragraphs 1.2 providing the provisions for blind sectors caused by cargo, cargo gear and other obstructions outside of the wheelhouse forward of the beam obstructing the “view of the sea surface” as seen from the conning positions.  IACS considers that “the view of the sea surface” (SOLAS regulation V/22.1.1) outside of the range forward of the bow to 10° on either side from the main conning position and obstructions, which cause blind sectors within that range, are open to interpretation and proposes a unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation V/22 in respect of “the view of the sea surface”.

IACS will also provide advice and comments to the Sub-Committee under agenda item 12 (Response to matters related to the ITU-R Study Groups and ITU World), item 16 (Revision of ECDIS Guidance for good practice (MSC.1/Circ.1503/Rev.1) and amendments to ECDIS performance standards) and item 18 (Development of SOLAS amendments for mandatory carriage of electronic inclinometers on container ships and bulk carriers).

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

IACS panels represent the top tier of the Association’s issue-specific bodies, so establishing a Safe-Decarbonisation Panel (SDP) sends the clearest possible signal of IACS’ determination to support industry through this multi-faceted, multi-decadal challenge.  Giving decarbonisation the same focus as the traditional areas of Safety, Environment, Hull, Machinery, Survey & Cyber significantly enhances the association’s ability to address safe decarbonisation concerns and support the protection of human life, property and the marine environment.

To help deliver common technical requirements at speed, the SDP will immediately convene four project teams to work on leading decarbonisation fuels and technologies.  While IACS remains technologically agnostic, extensive discussions with industry – itself a key feature and objective of the SDP – indicate that initial efforts should be focused on Ammonia, Hydrogen, Carbon Capture &  Storage and Batteries.  Additionally, the SDP will also evaluate current work streams at IMO on Methyl/ethyl Alcohols with a view to undertaking further work as appropriate.  Other alternative fuels and technologies will be considered by the SDP subsequently.

Recognising that efforts to decarbonize need to be collaborative to be successful, the SDP has also adopted a structured consultative approach so that all stakeholders – fuel manufacturers, technology providers, owners, builders and marine insurance – have multiple and multi-layered opportunities to engage with IACS at strategic, operational and technical levels.

Such close cooperation will help focus prioritization, maximise efficiency and remove duplication and allow for the resulting outputs to be properly targeted either in the form of IACS Resolutions or recommendations or submissions to IMO to support the development of detailed regulations.  Collectively, this work will help encourage industry to invest in new fuels/technologies by offering a degree of reassurance that standards are being harmonized and technologies are proven against these requirements.

Commenting on this development, IACS Chair Nick Brown said ‘IACS’ establishment of a Safe Decarbonisation Panel allows for an over-arching view on new initiatives, whether they be related to the propulsion of the vessels or to the changing nature of the cargoes ships will carry as a result of societal efforts to decarbonize, and so marks a step-change in embedding a safety-focus into this industry-wide effort.’

On other matters, C85 strongly endorsed the progress being made by the Independent Quality Assessment Review Body (IQARB) and committed to assisting that body develop into a respected entity that can be trusted by flag States, Industry and others to provide high-level oversight of the quality systems of Class Societies and Recognised Organisations.

C85 also reviewed the suite of measures adopted by IACS to help the industry maintain business continuity in the face of the operational challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and noted the effectiveness of IACS’ COVID-19 Task Force in ensuring that ships were able to safely remain in service and in compliance with Class Rules and the requirements of the international Conventions.  C85 agreed, however, that the improving COVID situation now allowed for a phased withdrawal of the various exemptions noting that operational challenges still exist in certain areas.

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. A high resolution (18mb) portrait photo of Nick Brown is available at https://iacs.s3.af-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/25153926/nick-brown-scaled.jpg
3. More information on the work IACS has undertaken in response to the COVID19 pandemic can be found on our dedicated webpage http://iacs.org.uk/covid-19/
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/