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Noting the work its Members undertake in verifying the global and consistent implementation of IMO agreed requirements on behalf of the IMO Member States (in their capacities as Recognized Organizations), and to facilitate clarity for all industry stakeholders, IACS has submitted, or co-sponsored, papers on the following issues to MSC 100:

In relation to the ongoing work to update the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (ESP Code), paper MSC 100/3/2, provides a number of proposals to ‘editorially correct’ the text that was approved at MSC 99, and is before MSC 100 with a view to its adoption. These proposals are based on a significant piece of work that IACS has undertaken, in collaboration with the IMO Secretariat, to prepare a new consolidated text of the Code for adoption at the IMO Assembly meeting that will be held at the end of 2019.

Regarding the Goal Based Standards (GBS) verification audit scheme for bulk carriers and oil tankers, IACS has submitted paper MSC 100/6/10 that provides Corrective/Improvement Actions Plans, which have been developed by IACS in response to the findings identified during the first GBS maintenance of verification audit. IACS has also submitted paper MSC 100/6/9, which provides information and comments to facilitate the Committee’s consideration of documents MSC 100/6/4, MSC 100/6/6 and MSC 100/6/8 – especially in relation to process issues related to the outcome of GBS Verification Audits.

MSC 100 will consider draft amendments to paragraph 6.1.1.3 of the LSA Code to allow hand-operated mechanisms to launch small rescue boats that are not part of the ship’s survival craft. In this regard, IACS has submitted paper MSC 100/9/9, which seeks clarification on the acceptable means for bringing the rescue boat against the ship’s side. The IACS paper also offers the view that the application of this draft amendment to the LSA Code should only apply to the equipment certified on or after the date the amendment will enter into force.

Paper MSC 100/19/8 discusses moves towards a fully independent, international quality assessment review body for the IACS Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS) by means of an initial trial of an International Quality Assessment Review Body (IQARB). The paper proposes that the Committee should endorse the active participation of the IMO Secretariat in the trial phase and the hosting of IQARB meetings by IMO (noting that there would be no financial implications on the regular budget of the Organization).

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Paul Sadler, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at permsec@iacs.org.uk

Noting the work its Members undertake in verifying the global and consistent implementation of IMO agreed requirements on behalf of the IMO Member States (in their capacities as Recognized Organizations), and to facilitate clarity for all industry stakeholders, IACS has submitted, or co-sponsored, papers on the following issues to MEPC 73:

MEPC 73/6/2 – this paper urges the Committee to commence its consideration, at least at a preliminary level, of Phase 2 (data analysis) of the three-step approach in relation to the IMO data collection system for ships, as a means of enhancing the energy efficiency of international shipping. In particular, the document discusses how Phase 2 could be conducted, the schedule for undertaking it and who should conduct this Phase.

MEPC 72/6/3 – this paper discusses three issues relating to the global and consistent implementation of the requirements in chapter 4 of MARPOL Annex VI relating to the data collection system for fuel oil consumption of ships.

MEPC 73/11/2 – this paper provides a suggested improvement to the draft 2018 Guidelines for the application of MARPOL Annex I requirements to floating production, storage and offloading facilities (FPSOs) and floating storage units (FSUs), which are before MEPC 73 for approval.

MEPC 73/11/4 – seeks the Committee’s advice with regard to any action that needs to be taken with electronic recording systems on “existing ships” that do not comply with the new draft Guidelines for the use of electronic record books under MARPOL. It also seeks clarification from the Committee on the intent of the inclusion in the draft Guidelines of references to IEC standards.

It is clear that MEPC 73 will be an important meeting. It is expected that two issues in particular will be the focus of substantive discussions:

• that, as from 1 January 2020, the limit for sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships operating outside designated emission control areas will be reduced to 0.50% m/m (mass by mass); and
• the next steps in delivering the initial strategy on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships, which was adopted at MEPC 72.

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Paul Sadler, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at permsec@iacs.org.uk

IACS recommendations result from extensive collaboration across industry and provide much needed guidance on how to develop and maintain the cyber integrity of vessels.

IACS has today published 9 (nine) of its 12 (twelve) recommendations[i] on cyber safety with the aim of enabling the delivery of cyber resilient ships whose resilience can be maintained throughout their working lives.  These eagerly anticipated recommendations are the result of a long-term initiative from IACS that has benefited considerably from cross industry input and support.

IACS initially addressed the subject of software quality with the publication of UR E22 in 2006.  Recognising the huge increase in the use of onboard cyber-systems since that time, IACS has developed this series of Recommendations with a view to reflecting the resilience requirements of a ship with many more interdependencies.  As a result, the IACS Recommendations address the need for:

• A more complete understanding of the interplay between ship’s systems
• Protection from events beyond software errors
• In the event that protection failed, the need for an appropriate response and ultimately recovery.
• In order that the appropriate response could be put in place, a means of detection is required.

IACS also recognised at an early stage that, in order 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.  A significant part of the JWG work has been in identifying, best practice, appropriate existing standards in risk and cyber security and identifying a practical risk approach.  Consequently, the 12 IACS Recommendations, collectively, not only provide guidance on the most pressing areas of concern but work as building blocks for the broader objective of system resilience.

The IACS Chairman, Mr Jeong-kie Lee of the Korean Register, stated “These 12 Recommendations represent a significant mile-stone in addressing safety concerns related to cyber issues.  IACS focus on Cyber Safety reflects our recognition that cyber systems are now as integral a part of a ships safety envelope as its structure and machinery and IACS is committed to providing industry with the necessary tools as part of our wider mission to deliver safer, cleaner, shipping.”

Importantly, and noting the challenge of bringing traditional technical assurance processes to bear against new and unfamiliar technologies, IACS has launched these Recommendations in the expectation that they will rapidly evolve as a result of the experience gained from their practical implementation.  Furthermore, IACS recognises that these Recommendations are only an ‘interim’ product and that they will be subject to amalgamation into a larger document with more consistent language, overlaps removed and common material consolidated.

Commenting on this approach, IACS Secretary General, Robert Ashdown, explained “The decision to publish these new materials as stand alone documents as Recommendations was made explicitly to give industry stakeholders access to the developing material.  IACS continues to make significant efforts to work ever more closely with industry and believes this approach provides the right balance between delivering the detailed guidance that is urgently required while remaining receptive to input from the industry stakeholders via JWG/CS on how they would like to see IACS proceed.”

IACS recognises that the delivery of these important series of Recommendations is only the start in the ongoingstruggle to maintain the cyber integrity of vessels. IACS remains confident, however, that the flexible and structured approach being adopted positions it well to further evolve and enhance these offerings, quickly and responsively, and in a manner which is practical and supportive of the needs of the largest number of industry stakeholders.

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The 12 Recommendations are:

IACS has submitted one paper to this meeting on the following issue:

• information on the definitions and management of “recommendations” or “conditions of class” in the rules of classification societies. In particular, the paper provides a clarification that “recommendations” and “conditions of class” are to be read as being different terms used by classification societies for the same required action. (III 5/INF.27).

IACS will also closely monitor the discussions and consider any requests for advice and comments from this session of the Sub-Committee that fall within the experience, expertise and remit of IACS and its Members; especially in relation to the work IACS Members undertake in their capacity as Recognized Organizations on behalf of Administrations. In this regard, it is particularly noted that the Sub-Committee will progress its work both on reviewing the Model Agreement for the authorization of recognized organizations acting on behalf of Administrations; and updating the Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) to take account of recent changes to the IMO’s regulatory framework.

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Paul Sadler, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at permsec@iacs.org.uk

IACS has submitted 13 papers to this meeting on the following issues:

• based on the experience gained to date in its application, proposals for amendments to two sections of the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code). These draft amendments relate to sections of the Code that address:
  • the provisions relating to pressure relief systems;
  • clarification of the term “for fire protection purposes”; and
  • requirements for fuel preparation room fire extinguishing systems (CCC 5/3/2);

• technical-based comments that urge the Sub-Committee to re-confirm the draft amendments to the IGF Code as agreed at CCC 4 on requirements for fuel distribution outside of machinery spaces (CCC 5/3/5);

• comments on the report of the intersessional Correspondence Group on Development of technical provisions for the safety of ships using low-flashpoint fuels (CCC 5/3/6 – co-sponsored with Norway, IBIA and ITF);

• a request for clarification of the electrical equipment requirements in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code relevant to the carriage of ammonium nitrate and related fertilizers (CCC 5/5/8);

• draft unified interpretations relating to the requirements in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code relating to the stowage of goods of class 1 (CCC 5/8/1);

• IACS Unified Interpretations (UI) relating to the requirements in the IGF Code on the following issues:
  • protection of ship steel from gas fuel tanks located on open decks (IACS UI GF2) (CCC 5/8); and
  • fire protection of spaces containing equipment for fuel preparation (IACS UI GF13); hazardous are classification of fuel storage hold spaces (IACS UI GF14); and alarms for loss of ventilation capacity (IACS UI GF15) (CCC 5/8/10); and

• Requests for clarification, draft unified interpretations and IACS UIs relating to the requirements in the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) (resolution MSC.370(93)) on the following issues:
  • capacity of the emergency fire pump (CCC 5/8/2);
  • arrangements to prevent the backflow of cargo vapour into the inert gas system (CCC 5/8/3);
  • deck water spray systems (IACS UI GC22) (CCC 5/8/6);
  • thermal insulation of cargo piping systems (UI GC 25) (CCC 5/8/7);
  • cargo tank structure heating power supply (UI GC23) (CCC 5/8/8); and
  • fire testing of emergency shutdown valves (UI GC24) (CCC 5/8/9).

IACS will also closely monitor the discussions and consider any requests for advice and comments from this session of the Sub-Committee that fall within the experience, expertise and remit of IACS and its Members; especially in relation to the IGC and IGF Codes; the suitability of high manganese austenitic steel for cryogenic service; and the provisions related to weather-dependant lashings in the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing.

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Paul Sadler, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at permsec@iacs.org.uk

IACS was honoured and delighted to receive the Industry Anniversary Award at the Seatrade Awards ceremony held in London last Friday.

In presenting the award, Emma Howell, Seatrade’s Group Marketing Manager, said that the award recognised IACS’ 50 years of continuous contribution to the industry, not only in terms of maritime safety and environmental protection, but also its support of IMO, as its principal technical advisor, in the implementation and delivery of regulations consistently applied on a global basis.

The Seatrade Award also recognised IACS’ longstanding commitment to quality operations, through its quality systems certification scheme which has been in place for some 25 years, as well as its recent innovations to reduce the administrative burden on the industry.

Accepting the award on behalf of the twelve IACS’ Members, then Chairman, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime, DNV GL, spoke of his deep appreciation of Seatrade as an organisation that shared IACS’ commitment to safer, cleaner ships and for its recognition of IACS role in supporting the IMO.

“It is an honour to receive this award recognising IACS’s longstanding contribution to shipping,” said Ørbeck-Nilssen. “It is a testament to all of the member of IACS, their expertise, impartiality, and commitment to helping our industry move forward. And it reminds us that even though our industry is going through massive changes, we can all work together to keep shipping vital and relevant for generations to come.”

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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 6th Floor 36 Broadway London SW1H 0BH UK

E: permsec@iacs.org.uk

T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660 www.iacs.org.uk

The IACS Council held its 77^th session (C77) in Hamburg last week, where the wide range of discussions reflected the key role IACS plays in supporting the maritime sector. From recent developments around digitalisation, cyber safety and autonomy, to upcoming regulations, such as the 2020 Global Sulphur Cap and IMO greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy, the IACS Council has set down its position on these issues in a manner consistent with its five-year strategic plan and aligned with its core values of quality operations, transparency, technical knowledge and leadership.

These high-level positions, which will also include cyber safety, Ballast Water Management, Digitalisation and Autonomy, will be clearly set down in a series of forthcoming position papers that will be published over the course of the next few months and will provide clarity to the maritime industry as to IACS’ stance on these matters.  IACS Council also agreed that it will bring the experience of the IACS Members related to EEDI implementation to IMO by a submission describing the technical consequences of EEDI.

On cyber safety the IACS Council also confirmed the schedule and commitment to deliver twelve recommendations by the end of the year. These recommendations are intended to facilitate the delivery of cyber resilient ships and the maintenance of that status throughout their operational life.  Once published, IACS will focus on obtaining industry feedback and experience with a view to their ongoing development and evolution.

C77 marked the conclusion of DNV GL’s Chairmanship of IACS. Looking back on his year in office, DNV GL-Maritime CEO, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, said: “The past year has seen IACS take significant steps towards becoming a more modern and forward looking organisation that recognises the need to adapt to future challenges, while maintaining its leading role in supporting the maritime industry through quality operations. The achievements in areas such as cyber safety, autonomy and new survey technologies demonstrate IACS’ ability to adapt to new ways of working. And I am particularly pleased with the progress made towards strengthening the IACS benchmarking indicators for members and revising the membership criteria.”

Taking over the IACS Chairmanship on 1 July 2018 is Mr Jeong-kie Lee, Chairman and CEO of the Korean Register, who said ‘I am honoured to be taking on the Chairmanship of IACS at a pivotal time in the Association’s development. In a rapidly evolving maritime world where automation and digitalization have become the key driving forces behind innovation, IACS’ role remains crucial and we will continue to provide expert technical advice and guidance to the international shipping community, while maintaining our primary function of promoting the safety of life at sea and the protection of property and the environment.’

Addressing the IACS Council, Mr Lee outlined how his Chairmanship will further deliver the IACS five-year strategic plan by continuing efforts to finalise and further develop IACS’ initial series of recommendations on cyber safety, ensuring IACS remains responsive to the needs of its stakeholders regarding the reduction of GHG emissions and autonomous ships, and taking additional steps to enhance the quality performance of IACS Members.

Congratulating Mr Ørbeck-Nilssen on the progress made during his time in office, Mr Lee went on ‘I congratulate Knut on his many achievements as IACS Chair and the dedication he has shown to the Association. In this 50^th year of IACS’ existence, my objective as Chair is to continue to future-proof the Association so that it remains well placed to develop and implement the standards the shipping industry requires to successfully navigate an ever more complex regulatory and technical world.’

Photo of Mr Jeong-kie Lee can be found here.

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 6th Floor 36 Broadway London SW1H 0BH UK

E: permsec@iacs.org.uk

T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660 www.iacs.org.uk

Speaking at the Posidonia trade fair in Athens, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, who will hand over the reins of IACS in July, examined how the association had evolved during his time as Chairman.

Athens, 7 June 2018: In an industry undergoing rapid change, the IACS Chairman identified the need for classification societies and IACS itself to be adaptable and prepared for change, while staying true to the core purpose of classification.

Mr Ørbeck-Nilssen said that over the past year great progress had been made in modernising classification to deal with the digital transformation of shipping: “I’m pleased to see the progress that was made in modernising the concept of class, to adapt to the digital transformation we see in shipping today. I say transformation because the progress has truly been astonishing. IACS has embraced the challenges and changes ahead, to support the industry – contributing to the development of a safer and more secure maritime world. Looking ahead, the organisation needs to continue to focus on being agile in addressing relevant industry topics, to strengthen the role of class and to ensure that IACS keeps its position as the leading technical association in these times of rapid change,” he added.

“On behalf of the IACS organisation I would like to thank Knut and the DNV GL IACS team for the great collaboration throughout this chairmanship. The Chairman’s drive and ambition to modernise classification have prompted valuable discussions with the industry and the development of a robust long-term strategy that ensures the IACS organisation is fit for the future,” said Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General. IACS’ achievements during this chairmanship cover key areas such as autonomous shipping, cyber security, modern survey techniques, and internal benchmarking.

In autonomy, an IACS working group has examined all the relevant resolutions, to identify which standards present potential regulatory barriers to autonomous ship operations. The findings included barriers relating to machinery and electrical systems, safety systems, hull structures and survey procedures. As a next step, a pilot project looked at how to overcome these barriers.

To help the maritime community ensure the cyber-resilience of their assets, IACS established a joint industry working group focused on cyber safety. In its own panel, IACS is developing a number of recommendations for the newbuilding stage to assist shipbuilders in delivering cyber-resilient vessels.

As for the association itself, Mr Ørbeck-Nilssen noted that, for the first time in almost a decade, IACS has carried out a substantial revision of its membership criteria. In addition, a new internal benchmarking process supports members in improving their performance, while increasing the transparency of member’s quality performance. “These are important steps towards ensuring that IACS provides consistency in its high-quality support and becomes more transparent in its internal procedures,” said Mr Ørbeck-Nilssen.

In closing, Mr Ørbeck-Nilssen emphasised his belief in the continuing importance of IACS in changing and challenging times: “The industry is changing. Our ways of working may be changing. But the purpose of classification still remains the same: To protect life, property and the environment.”

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.

Media Contact IACS:

Robert Ashdown

IACS Secretary General

Tel.: +44 (0)20 7976 0660

E-Mail: permsec@iacs.org.uk

In support of the IMO’s programme of events to celebrate the 70^th Anniversary of the adoption of the IMO Convention, IACS Council Chair, Mr Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, was delighted to speak at the IMO’s High-Level Forum held in London yesterday.

“With the decision to reduce GHG emissions by 50 per cent by 2050, the IMO has reached an important consensus and has set an ambitious target for shipping. In classification, working with the industry to create a safe and sustainable future is at the heart of what we do. We at IACS look forward to working closely with the IMO and the wider maritime community, in discussing how to reach this goal,” says Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, IACS Chairman and CEO of DNV GL – Maritime.

“Decarbonisation and digitalisation are two of the key drivers transforming the maritime industry today. For the IMO, this means that the regulatory landscape needs to be continually adapted to match the rapid rate of innovation we see in shipping. Making sure that there is a close correlation between international rules and the current state of technology is no easy feat. The IMO has done valuable work in addressing the challenges our industry currently faces. One of the things that has significantly reduced the administrative burden on all stakeholders is the possibility of using electronic certificates. The IMO developed the relevant guidelines to make this possible,” he adds.

IACS’ engagement with the IMO as its principal technical advisor is deep and long-standing.  IACS not only provides technical advice and guidance to the IMO Member States, but is also heavily involved in assisting in the practical implementation of the instruments adopted by the IMO Member States.

The IMO Secretary-General’s message introducing the 2018 World Maritime Day theme noted that “IMO’s greatest achievement has been to create a level playing field, through global regulations uniformly implemented . . . [in a way that] encourages innovation and efficiency.”

Since its admission to the IMO in 1969, IACS is pleased to have played a fundamental supporting role in the delivery of that achievement through the development, implementation and maintenance of Unified Interpretations (UIs). In the last ten years alone, IACS has advised the IMO on the development of over 130 UIs. These are developed in order to address matters which in the IMO agreed texts are either left to the satisfaction of the flag State Administration or ambiguous. Without such unified interpretations, global and consistent implementation of IMO requirements would simply not be deliverable.

IACS members further assist in the uniform implementation of global regulations in their work as Recognized Organizations.  In this role, IACS Societies verify compliance with, and issue certificates for, statutory requirements on behalf of governments.  Operating within the IACS Quality System & Certification Scheme (QSCS), itself fully aligned with the IMO’s Code for Recognized Organizations, IACS members are trusted by both governments and industry alike to deliver the technical expertise and administrative robustness required to underpin the global application of IMO requirements.

Kitack Lim stated that “Our challenge for the years to come remains – to work in collaboration with all stakeholders to create better shipping – for a better future.”  IACS is fully committed to helping the IMO meet that challenge as part of its members’ unceasing commitment to safer, cleaner shipping.

For more information about IACS, please download our recently released Annual Review (www.iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review-2017/), or visit www.iacs.org.uk

Contact: Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General

E: permsec@iacs.org.uk  T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660

Notes to Editors:

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.

International Association of Classification Societies

Permanent Secretariat: 6th Floor, 36 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BH, UK

E: permsec@iacs.org.uk  T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660

www.iacs.org.uk

Regarding the Goal Based Standards (GBS) verification audit scheme for bulk carriers and oil tankers, IACS has submitted a paper to MSC 99 that provide updates on the work being undertaken to address the observations raised in the initial audits (MSC 99/INF.19). In response to the invitation that was extended by the MSC at its last meeting, IACS has submitted a paper to MSC 98 with a view to improving this verification process in the future (MSC 99/6/2). In particular, this paper discusses the periodicity of the maintenance of verification process. In this regard, IACS remains of the view that the audit of changes to Rules in accordance with the maintenance of verification scheme, should be undertaken every three years.

Regarding the draft Interim guidelines for Goal-Based Standards regarding the Safety Level Approach (GBS-SLA), IACS has submitted a paper (MSC 99/6/1) that advocates the FSA methodology can serve the desired objectives of, and should therefore be referred to in, the GBS-SLA process.

Noting the work its Members undertake in verifying the global and consistent implementation of IMO agreed requirements on behalf of the IMO Member States (in their capacities as Recognised Organisations), and to facilitate clarity for all industry stakeholders, IACS has submitted papers on the following issues to MSC 99:

• MSC 99/10/3 provides comments on the draft guidelines on operational information for masters in case of flooding for passenger ships constructed before 1 January 2014. The paper proposes improvements to the draft Guidelines that IACS considers will facilitate their user-friendliness and effectiveness. The paper also notes that parallel improvements could be made to two existing circulars that the IMO has already issued in relation to operational information for masters in case of flooding for passenger ships (MSC.1/Circ.1400 and MSC.1/Circ.1532); and
• MSC 99/10/7 reiterates the advice IACS gave to SDC 5 that should the raking damage stability standard as prepared by the Correspondence Group that reported to the last meeting of the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 5) be pursued, there are concerns that it will not be consistent with the current rationale of the probabilistic stability framework in SOLAS Chapter II-1.

An important new workstream that the Committee will commence discussions upon relates to Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). IACS Members have been considering this issue in preparation for the discussions at MSC 99 with the aim of assisting the Committee to make progress on developing a framework for conducting a regulatory scoping exercise in relation to MASS.

Any enquiries on the above should be sent to Paul Sadler, IACS Accredited Representative to IMO, at permsec@iacs.org.uk