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IACS PARTICIPATION AT CCC 10

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 10th session of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 10), which will meet from Monday, 16 September to Friday, 20 September 2024.

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 achieving clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted and co-sponsored the following papers:

CCC 10/3/2 proposes an amendment to paragraph 9.6 of the IGF Code to provide technical requirements for gas fuel vent pipes with single-walled construction in machinery spaces;

CCC 10/3/4 proposes amendments to paragraphs 11.5.1, 11.5.2 and 11.5.3 of part A-1 of the IGF Code concerning a water spray system for fuel storage tank(s);

CCC 10/4/3 proposes amendments to paragraph 11.3.2 of the IGC Code concerning a water spray system for fuel storage tank(s);

CCC 10/4/5 provides comments on the report of the Correspondence Group on Amendments to the IGF Code and Review of the IGC Code presented in document CCC 10/4;

CCC 10/4/7 provides comments on document CCC 10/4/1 proposing to develop interim guidelines for the use of anhydrous ammonia cargo as fuel;

CCC 10/7 proposes a revision of MSC.1/Circ.1353/Rev.2 to accept lashing software as a supplement to the container stowage and securing arrangement plan included in the approved Cargo Securing Manual in order to evaluate actual loading conditions, and draft performance standards and guidelines with which the lashing software should comply to allow consistent approval of lashing software;

CCC 10/8/2 contains comments on the report of the Correspondence Group on the Revision of Resolution A.1050(27);

CCC 10/10 proposes a draft unified interpretation of paragraph 5.7.1 of the IGF Code to facilitate the universal and uniform implementation of the IGF Code;

CCC 10/10/3 proposes a draft unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/2.29 to clarify the applicability of SOLAS regulations II-1/56 and II-1/57 to facilitate the universal and uniform implementation of the IGF Code to ships using gas as fuel;

CCC 10/INF.3 informs the Sub-Committee on revision 5 of IACS UI SC 89 of SOLAS regulation II-2/19.3.4 and the IMSBC Code cargo space ventilation requirements with the inclusion of a new cargo type in accordance with the amendments to the IMSBC Code (resolution MSC.539(107));

CCC 10/14/1 comments on document CCC 10/14 and proposes that further considerations are required before the Revised Interim recommendations for carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk, as adopted by resolution MSC.565(108), can be amended.

CCC 10/15/1 proposes risk-prevention-related areas which should be considered by the Sub-Committee in order to mitigate the risks and consequences of cargo fires on containerships;

CCC 10/INF.10 informs the Sub-Committee of IACS unified interpretation GF 20 of paragraph 5.3 of MSC.1/Circ.1621 regarding arrangements for methyl/ethyl alcohol fuel tanks;

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

IACS PARTICIPATION AT MEPC 82

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 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) which will meet from 30 September to 4 October 2024.

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 achieving clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted and co-sponsored the following documents:

MEPC 82/6/15 discusses the practical implications of implementing the amendments to Appendix IX of MARPOL Annex VI adopted during MEPC 81 concerning the information to be submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database (IMO DCS). This document also outlines the understanding of IACS of the implementation of these amendments, as formalized in its unified interpretation MPC 131 (New, July 2024) which will enter into force on 1 November 2024 for flag States not objecting thereto;

MEPC 82/6/32 proposes consequential updates to the standardized data-reporting format for the data collection system and operational carbon intensity (Appendix 3 of the SEEMP Guidelines), seeking alignment with the amendments to Appendix IX of MARPOL Annex VI as adopted by resolution MEPC.385(81) and the amendments to the 2022 Guidelines for the development of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) (resolution MEPC.346(78)), adopted by resolution MEPC.388(81);

MEPC 82/10/3 comments on the draft amendments to the NOx Technical Code 2008 on certification of an engine subject to substantial modification, as set out in annex 14 to document PPR 11/18/Add.1, and proposes further modifications thereto.

MEPC 82/16/3 proposes changes to the 2023 Guidelines for the development of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (resolution MEPC.379(80)) as a consequence of the introduction of controls on cybutryne in the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, 2001 (AFS Convention) to clarify the relevant threshold in respect to cybutryne, when samples are directly taken from the hull or when samples are taken from wet paint containers.

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

COMMON STRUCTURAL RULES (CSR) RULE CHANGE PROPOSAL 1 (2023)

The RCP 1 to CSR BC & OT 01 January 2023 release and associated Technical Background document (TB) are available via the following links:

RCP 1 (Fourth item on the following web page):

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

Technical Background document (Fourth item on the following web page):

https://iacs.org.uk/publications/common-structural-rules/technical-background-documents-for-csr/

IACS PARTICIPATION AT MSC 109

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 109th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109) which will meet from 2 to 6 December 2024.

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 achieving clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted and co-sponsored the following documents:

MSC 109/3/3 comments on document MSC 109/3 (Secretariat) which contains draft amendments to paragraphs 11.3.2 and 11.3.2.2 of the IGF Code and proposes modifications to improve the clarity and achieve uniform implementation;

MSC 109/4/2 comments on document MSC 109/4/1 (Secretary-General) containing the final audit report on the revision 2 of IACS Recommendation 34 “Standard Wave Data” (IACS Rec.34/Rev.2), which is intended to address IACS/2015/FR1-8/OB/02 and accepts all recommendations;

MSC 109/4/4 provides comments on the newly proposed table format used for the GBS Maintenance Audits in document MSC 108/INF.14;

MSC 109/4/6 comments on the final report of the GBS audit addressing observation No. IACS/2015/FR1-8/OB/02 presented in document MSC 109/4/1 (Secretary-General) and proposes reaffirmation of the criticality of adherence to the principles of good seamanship and the responsibility for proper operation and maintenance, as well as endorsing and encouraging the need for the continuous development of the structural requirements of organizations which are recognized by the Administration in accordance with the provisions of SOLAS regulation XI-1/1, or national standards of the Administration;

MSC 109/INF.6 provides the updated status of the work which is undertaken to address the IACS “common” observations as on 30 August 2024.

MSC 109/5/4 while providing a brief on general data quality and management aspects, brings out aspects specific to MASS and suggests a high-level approach towards data quality, which is essential for the safety of MASS;

MSC 109/6/1 provides additional information on some alternative fuels and proposes a generic format for representing the physical properties for each fuel;

MSC 109/7/1 discusses the importance of further cybersecurity measures for ships and port facilities following the Committee’s approval of the draft revised Guidelines on maritime cyber risk management (MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3/Rev.3) and proposes next steps to enhance maritime cybersecurity;

MSC 109/11/1 proposes revisions of the FSA Guidelines in response to the invitation by MSC 108 to submit concrete text proposals in order to improve the text of the Guidelines;

MSC 109/11/2 proposes editorial changes to the Revised FSA Guidelines (MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.12/Rev.2);

MSC 109/13/8 comments on the draft performance standards for pilot transfer arrangements contained in annex 9 of document NCSR 11/19/Add.1 and suggests modifications to the footnotes and clarifications regarding dedicated strong points in paragraphs 12 and 15.1;

MSC 109/14/1 provides comments on the draft amendments to the IGC Code contained in document CCC 10/WP.7 for approval by MSC 109 and subsequent adoption by MSC 110;

MSC 109/21/1 offers the views and initial considerations of IACS on the nature of unified interpretations, understanding of the meaning of safeguards and the degree of their application to different cases of interpretations, and recommends the development of guidelines to assist in the application of safeguards;

MSC 109/21/2 identifies different understandings amongst stakeholders on whether a duplicated MF/HF radio installation may be also accepted as a primary MF radio installation for sea area A3, based on COMSAR.1/Circ.32/Rev.2, and aims for a global and consistent implementation of GMDSS requirements.

 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 for Synthetic Materials in Propeller Shaft Bearings

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has published a new Unified Requirement UR M85, providing the maritime industry with its first comprehensive technical guidelines for type approval testing of synthetic materials used in aftmost propeller shaft bearings. Recognized as a critical component of a vessel’s propulsion system, these bearings are essential for long-term operational safety and efficiency.

The new UR M85 establishes a robust framework for type approval testing, setting new benchmarks for safety, reliability, and performance, to address a vital gap in maritime standards. It outlines essential criteria to be met during type approval testing, outlining key areas to ensure material performance and durability in real-world conditions. Key aspects of the UR include:

  • Type Approval Testing Requirements: A structured and detailed testing program is mandatory, incorporating a comprehensive description of each product, precise selection of test samples, and specific test conditions. This framework ensures alignment with industry standards, providing consistency and clarity for manufacturers.
  • Material Properties Compliance: Non-elastomeric and elastomeric materials used in aftmost propeller shaft bearings must satisfy strict property benchmarks, including tensile strength, elongation, and metal adhesion. These properties, detailed in associated tables within the UR, are crucial for maintaining structural integrity and performance across various operating conditions.
  • Accredited Testing Facilities: Type approval tests must be conducted in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. This standardization ensures that material property tests are reliable, accurate, and conducted to the highest quality, reinforcing IACS’s commitment to robust rule compliance.
  • Wear Testing Procedures: To assess material durability, wear testing must adhere to ASTM G77-17 or equivalent standards, with strict parameters specified for shaft material, lubrication type, and testing duration. These guidelines ensure consistent and reliable wear data, reducing variability and supporting predictable product performance.
  • Environmental Conditions for Testing: Testing must be conducted under strictly controlled environmental conditions, including regulated temperature, humidity, and the use of substitute ocean water. By simulating operational conditions, the UR ensures that materials are thoroughly tested for real-world application and resilience, thereby enhancing overall safety.
  • Type Approval Certificate Issuance: Following the successful completion of testing and submission of technical documentation, the Classification Society will issue a Type Approval Certificate. This certificate signifies product quality and conformity with IACS standards, instilling confidence among shipowners and operators.

With the publication of this UR, IACS once again demonstrates its commitment to shaping technical standards that address real-world operational challenges to enhance industry-wide resilience. By working in close collaboration with industry stakeholders, IACS ensures that its guidelines are aligned with the latest industry needs and evolving technological advancements and highlights IACS’s role in promoting innovative, safety-focused solutions for the maritime sector.

IACS invites designers, manufacturers, operators and owners to adopt these requirements into their products and vessels, contributing to a unified approach for safer and more reliable maritime operations.

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

IACS Withdraws Unified Requirement UR H1 on Control of Ammonia releases in Ammonia fuelled vessels

In light of the evolving regulatory landscape for ammonia as a maritime fuel, and the recent finalisation of the IMO’s draft interim guidelines on ammonia, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) announces the withdrawal of Unified Requirement UR H1, “Control of Ammonia Releases in Ammonia Fuelled Vessels”, ahead of its scheduled implementation date of 01 January 2025. This decision ensures alignment with the IMO guidelines and creates a clearer regulatory environment as ammonia use expands within the maritime sector.  

The decision to withdraw UR H1 stems from the differences between its safety parameters and those outlined in the IMO Interim Guidelines. The IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers, at its 10th session, finalised the draft interim guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel, with a view to approval by MSC 109. These guidelines include several differences from IACS’s original UR H1 requirements. The IMO Interim Guidelines establish a 220 ppm threshold for acute exposure, without defining a hazardous concentration, and require preventing direct ammonia release during normal and controllable abnormal scenarios, which may exclude releases from leakages. Toxic areas have been defined, requiring gas dispersion analysis to demonstrate concentrations do not exceed 220 ppm in key locations. An ammonia release mitigation system is required to maintain outlet concentrations below 110 ppm, with alarms for exceedances. Additionally, alarms must activate at 110 ppm with system shutdown at 220 ppm, while a visual indication is required at 25 ppm near entrances to affected enclosed spaces. These differences could potentially lead to confusion within the maritime industry. 

To ensure consistency and reduce the potential for conflicting interpretations, IACS has decided to withdraw UR H1 with a view to publishing a revised version that aligns with the IMO guidelines. The revised UR, to be published in 2025, will provide a consistent regulatory framework for the safe adoption of ammonia and will provide the necessary safety framework for ammonia-fuelled vessels while aligning with best practices and international guidelines. 

IACS Updates Unified Requirement M10 to Enhance Safety Against Crankcase Explosions

As the industry shifts towards alternative fuels in response to environmental regulations and sustainability goals, the safety risks associated with these fuels cannot be overlooked. Crankcase explosions, a critical hazard in engine operation, becomes even more concerning in the context of gas and low flashpoint fuels.  To address this issue, and as part of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) IACS’ commitment to assisting the industry to decarbonise safely,  IACS has published the latest edition of Unified Requirement (UR) M10, which introduces new safety requirements to protect internal combustion engines from crankcase explosions.

The revised URM10, specifically designed for engines running on gas or low flashpoint fuels, addresses the unique challenges posed by these fuel types thereby ensuring that safety measures keep pace with evolving technologies and thus safeguarding maritime operations.

Revision 5 of UR M10 builds on key exisiting safety standards essential for protecting against crankcase explosions. These include the requirements for crankcases to be constructed to withstand the internal pressures generated by potential explosions. For engines with a crankcase volume exceeding 0.6 m³, additional explosion relief valves are required to safely manage the excess pressure. Furthermore, a crankcase explosion relief valve must be in compliance with type testing procedures stipulated in IACS UR M66, as incorporated in IACS Members Rules, ensuring they meet the unified technical requirements fit for safety purposes, designed to safeguard against explosions.

This new edition of UR M10 was achieved through extensive collaboration with key industry stakeholders, including engine manufacturers. This cooperative effort ensures that the new guidelines are not only effective but also practical and feasible for real-world application, reflecting the latest technological advancements in engineering practices and safety protocols.

In this latest edition, IACS has also introduced the following improvements to address the safety requirements specific to engines fueled by gas or low flashpoint fuels:

  • Airflow Requirements: Technical conditions for the external airflow into the crankcase have been specified for engines fueled with gas or low flashpoint fuels, ensuring operational safety.
  • Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): The revised UR M10 now defines the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) for gas, fuel vapors, or mixtures in the crankcase, contributing to enhanced safety measures.
  • Crankcase Pressure Control: To prevent interference with critical safety devices, such as oil mist detection systems during forced extraction of the crankcase atmosphere.
  • Safety Evaluation: Engines fueled by gas or low flashpoint fuels must undergo a comprehensive safety evaluation to ensure gas concentrations remain below the LEL or that explosion risks are duly mitigated.
  • Explosion Risk Mitigation: Predefined measures for reducing the risk of crankcase explosions have been introduced, ensuring greater protection against potential hazards.
  • Engine Bearing Monitors: Engine bearing temperature monitors or equivalent devices are now classified as essential safety components.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: Documentation detailing the effectiveness of the safety measures to prevent explosive conditions is to be provided my manufacturers and designers.

Commenting on the revised UR, IACS Secretary General, Robert Ashdown, said

“As the industry continues to adopt alternative fuels, IACS remains committed to advancing maritime safety standards. By introducing enhanced safety requirements tailored to modern engines and different fuel types, URM10 ensures that the industry remains equipped to mitigate the risk of explosions, while adapting to the introduction of sustainable fuels.”

Stakeholders are encouraged to review these changes and update their safety practices accordingly.

/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.

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

IACS Council Meeting In London Reaffirms Centrality Of Safety To Its Mission

The IACS Council met in London last week (C90) scheduling new dates for the introduction of revised Common Structural Rules, welcoming the establishment of IQARB as a legally constituted body and acknowledging the significant number of safety related outputs successfully delivered in 2024. 

 

IACS revisions to the Common Structural Rules (CSR) are part of its continual ‘class cycle’ of review and improvement.  C90 reaffirmed IACS’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards to ensure safety, structural integrity, and environmental protection, and meet the Goal-Based Standards (GBS) requirement for continuous improvement set by the IMO. The basis for revisions to CSR (including new wave loads, and other subsequent rule changes) will be more transparent and accurate as they are based on more scientific and validated data and include a more comprehensive and technically sound background compared to the existing CSR.  

IACS Council recognised that it is vital that CSR revisions are made with all stakeholders in mind, and as part of a truly collaborative process. Revisions to the CSR will undergo an extensive scrutiny process by all stakeholders which is intentionally designed to be inclusive and transparent, allowing for widespread consultation with flag states, shipowners and shipyards.  To facilitate this process, and to smooth the subsequent introduction, C90 decided to allow additional time for the development and implementation of the new CSR to allow all concerned sufficient time to comment, engage and adapt without undue pressure. 

Accordingly, the new CSR are scheduled to be adopted by IACS Council on 1 July 2027 and to enter into force on 1 July 2029. 

On other matters at C90, IACS Council warmly welcomed the incorporation of IQARB into a legal entity capable of delivering a common, independent, fully transparent and trusted mechanism which flag States can utilise as a tool to supplement their oversight of their ROs.  Such an approach benefits Member States and maritime safety and the protection of marine environment by allowing IMO Member States to focus their time and resources on RO monitoring activities in targeted areas and on specific safety and environmental matters pertaining to their flagged ships. 

C90 also reaffirmed IACS ongoing commitment to safety across the board and noted that, at MSC 109 alone, IACS provided 20% of all action papers submitted, covering major safety agenda items, including GBS, MASS, safe decarbonisation, FSA, IGC and IGF Codes, and radio. 

This focus on safety was also emphasised at the traditional meeting of the IACS Council with industry where updates were provided on IACS’ work related to safe decarbonisation (especially Carbon Capture and Storage) and a safe digital transformation (data quality, MASS and Complex Systems amongst others) as well as the Association’s new strategic commitment to enhancing its focus on the human element particularly through its commitment to human centred design. 

Commenting on discussions at C90, IACS Council Chair, Roberto Cazzulo, said ‘Safety related matters dominated the agenda.  In a world where new technologies and fuels proliferate, managing their safe implementation and integration with the crews who sail the ships has never been more necessary.  Everything starts with safe design and IACS’ revised CSR will facilitate the introduction of novel designs while our focus on human centred design will address human risk and improve ship system interfaces’. 

 

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. More information about IACS can be found by visiting www.iacs.org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at Here