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In light of recent developments, the Tripartite participating organisations reaffirmed their support to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the global regulator for international shipping, capable of delivering effective regulations in close collaboration with the maritime community.

The Tripartite Forum of shipbuilders, shipowners and classification societies convened for their annual conference in Busan, South Korea, bringing together more than 70 delegates from 13 countries.

The Tripartite has been meeting for over two decades and has a distinguished record of tackling the most significant engineering challenges, notably initiating the development of the Common Structural Rules for bulk carriers and tankers, Permanent Means of Access for tankers, and the mandatory standards for coating ballast and cargo tanks.

Tripartite’s recent meeting, from 22 to 23 October 2025, continued this tradition with discussions on the more pressing technical issues facing the industry. The range of topics explored in this year’s forum included decarbonisation, onboard carbon capture, autonomous ships, biofouling, ballast water treatment, underwater radiated noise, software maintenance and grey water. Delegates who contributed to the extraordinary session of the MEPC at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) also discussed the implications for the maritime sector, in light of that meeting. On this timely occasion, the Tripartite participating organisations reaffirmed their support to the IMO as the global regulator for international shipping, capable of delivering effective regulations in close collaboration with the maritime community.

IMO’s immediate past Secretary General, Kitack Lim, was a guest of honour at this year’s event and brought with him a depth of knowledge and experience.

On behalf of this year’s organising association International Chamber of Shipping Secretary General, Thomas A. Kazakos, said:

“The shipyards of tomorrow will not only build vessels; they will build confidence in the industry’s ability to meet its sustainability goals. By working closely with classification societies and shipowners, shipbuilders can ensure that the ships of the future are not only compliant with new regulations and fuels but are also designed to operate safely, efficiently, and competitively in an increasingly complex world. Collaboration, foresight, and a continued focus on safety will be the foundation on which the next generation of shipbuilding excellence is built.”

The Tripartite organisations welcomed the progress made in the working groups on Underwater Radiated Noise, Future Proofing of the Maritime Safety Regime, Safe Decarbonisation, Safe Digital Transformation, Ship Life-Time GHG Accounting, Automated Fuel Consumption and Data Gathering.

Next year’s forum will take place in Q4 2026, in Japan.

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Notes to Editors
About ASEF
The Active Shipbuilding Experts’ Federation (ASEF) is an international industry association composed of leading shipbuilding organizations from various countries.
Established with the aim of promoting safety, environmental protection, and technological innovation in the maritime sector, ASEF plays a vital role in advancing global cooperation within the shipbuilding industry.

About BIMCO
BIMCO is the world’s largest international shipping association, with 2,100 members in 120 countries, representing 64% of the world’s tonnage. Our global membership includes shipowners, operators, managers, brokers, and agents. BIMCO is a non-profit organisation.

About CESA
CESA represents the interests of shipbuilding, ship maintenance, repair and conversion shipyards, and maritime equipment providers at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.

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.

About INTERCARGO
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) unites and promotes quality dry bulk shipping, bringing together more than 350 forward thinking companies from 35 countries – https://www.intercargo.org

About ICS
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal global trade association for merchant shipowners and operators, representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world’s merchant fleet – www.ics-shipping.org

About INTERTANKO
INTERTANKO, the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners, has been the voice of independent tanker owners since 1970, ensuring that the liquid energy that keeps the world turning is shipped safely, responsibly and competitively. As of January 2025, the organisation has 178 Members, whose combined fleet comprises over 3,800 tankers totalling over 355 million dwt. INTERTANKO’s Associate Membership stands at some 220 companies and organisations related to the tanker industry. www.intertanko.com

About SEA Europe
SEA Europe represents close to 100% of the European shipbuilding industry in 17 nations, encompassing the production, maintenance, repair, and conversion of all types of ships and floating structures, commercial as well as naval, including the full supply chain with the various producers of maritime systems, equipment material, and services.
SEA Europe’s membership is situated in EU Member States, Norway, Turkey, United Kingdom and Ukraine.
As an NGO observer at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), CESA represents the shipbuilding industry and its supply chain from EU Member States, Norway, and Turkey.

Council of the International Association of Classification Societies reviews progress across its extensive work programme with emphasis on Decarbonisation, Digitalisation, Common Structural Rules and Quality performance.

IACS Council (C92) met in London last week to review the significant outputs from its Safe Decarbonisation and Safe Digital Transformation Panels, the progress made on the evolution of the Common Structural Rules, and to reaffirm the centrality of Quality to classification societies’ work. C92 also said a fond farewell to its outgoing Chair, Roberto Cazzulo who has now completed his term of office.

On Safe Decarbonisation, IACS Council welcomed the near finalisation of Unified Requirements (URs) for Ammonia Release Mitigation System and Approval of Lithium Batteries, alongside a recommendation for the use of Portable Tanks for Containment of Hydrogen Fuel Onboard Ships. In addition, C92 noted that URs for the Installation of Carbon Capture systems and on ESD systems and Valves on Bunkering Manifolds for methanol/ethanol Bunkering Vessels are in their final stages as is an IACS Recommendation on Guidelines for gas dispersion analysis.

IACS Council was equally satisfied with the extensive progress made by IACS’s Panel on Safe Digital Transformation noting that Recommendations on Ship Data Quality, Cybersecurity Controls for ships in service and Vessel Asset Inventory for Computer-Based Systems (CBS) have recently been completed.  These will soon be complemented by Recommendations on classification of complex systems utilising computer-based systems, a Protocol on format definition and exchange of 3D models, Risk Assessment for MASS and Communications and Remote Connectivity for MASS.

IACS Council also discussed the ongoing revision of its Common Structural Rules (CSR).  Recognising the significant progress achieved to date on the Consequence Assessment (CA) of Rule Change Proposals (RCP) for the CSR for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, the Council unanimously agreed that IACS should continue its work on the CSR RCP. In line with its commitment to transparency and broad stakeholder engagement, the Council also agreed to further enhance the industry consultation with all relevant parties as the work progresses through 2026.

IACS Council undertook a strategic assessment of the Association’s Quality objectives as part of its commitment to continuous improvement and in anticipation of a number of external developments, such as new Port State Control scoring methodologies, that may impact IACS membership rules (which all Members must comply with at all times).  IACS Council also endorsed the Work Programme for IQARB for 2026 and welcomed the progress that this newly independent and legally constituted body has made in its first year of operation.

C92 marked the completion of Chair Roberto Cazzulo’s two-year term of office.  Commenting on his period as Chair of IACS Council, Roberto Cazzulo, said “Overseeing IACS’ development and delivery of a wide range of resolutions that meet the key twin challenges of decarbonisation and digitalisation has been at the core of my tenure as Chair.  These significant technical contributions demonstrate IACS’ ability to support regulators and industry and address innovative and complex regulatory and technical challenges without any reduction in the scope and speed of its more traditional work programme.”

C92 also unanimously elected Mr. Cazzulo’s successor whose name will be announced early in the New Year.

IACS was also pleased to welcome representatives from a wide range of industry associations to provide updates on matters of joint interest and to assess and advance the extensive programme of Joint Industry Working Groups established by Tripartite.

The IACS Council meets twice a year, and this was the 92^nd Council meeting since the founding of IACS in 1968. This meeting took place in London and was attended by senior management from all 12 Members.

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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
IACS Secretariat 4 Matthew Parker Street, London, England SW1H 9NP

E: secretariat@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.

Updates to Unified Requirements designed to better align with international welding standards, improve qualification standards, and ensure consistency across IACS rules

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has published revisions to its welding rules for marine and offshore structures.

The rules, known as IACS’s Unified Requirements (UR) W11, W16 and W28, have been amended in order to align high heat input welding requirements across all three URs, to improve the qualification standard for welding procedures, and to improve consistency with international standards, such as ISO 15614-1 (from the International Organization for Standardization) and AWS D1.1/D1.1M (from the American Welding Society).

The revisions to these three URs include key updates to welding procedure qualifications for marine and offshore structures. These updates are summarised below:

Harmonization with International Welding Standards

The updated UR W28 Rev. 3 aligns welding procedure qualification requirements with international standards such as ISO 15614-1 and AWS D1.1/D1.1M, ensuring global applicability and improved harmonization with industry best practices.

The revised document also ensures consistency with other IACS Unified Requirements, including UR W11 (Normal and higher strength hull structural steels), UR W16 (High strength steels for welded structures), UR W23 (Approval of welding consumables for High Strength Steels for Welded Structures), and UR W31 (YP47 steels and Brittle Crack Arrest Steels).

Expanded Qualification Requirements for Welding Procedures

The new revision introduces an explicit definition of high heat input welding, expressed in terms of energy input per unit length (kJ/cm), ensuring better control over welding conditions.

The qualification range for welding procedures has been revised to provide clear guidance on applicable base metals, welding consumables, and welding positions. The revised UR also includes updated provisions for post- weld heat treatment, ensuring that procedures remain compatible with new steel grades and their mechanical properties.

Optional Approval Scheme for High Heat Input Welding & Introduction of Annex E in UR W28

Manufacturers now have the option to seek approval for high heat input welding procedures, following a structured qualification framework.

The new Annex E in UR W28 introduces specific provisions for welding procedure qualification tests using plates with approved high heat input grade notation, ensuring that welding procedures are tested under controlled and approved conditions.

However, the qualification for high heat input welding remains valid even when using steels that have not been specifically approved for high heat input grades, provided the welding procedure follows the existing qualification scheme as defined in UR W28.

Clarification of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Timing Requirements

The revision of UR W28 now explicitly defines the required timing for NDT based on the yield strength of the steel:

• For steels with a specified minimum yield strength of 420 N/mm² to 690 N/mm², NDT must be performed at least 48 hours after welding unless post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is applied.
• For steels with a specified minimum yield strength of 890 N/mm² to 960 N/mm², NDT must be performed at least 72 hours after welding unless PWHT is applied.

Introduction of an Optional Manufacturing Approval Scheme for High Heat Input Steels

UR W11 and UR W16 have introduced an optional manufacturing approval scheme for steels intended for high heat input welding, providing manufacturers with the possibility to certify their steels specifically for such applications. The appendices in UR W11 and UR W16 detail the qualification procedures, testing requirements, and acceptance criteria for high heat input steel certification.

Under this scheme, manufacturers may voluntarily apply for certification, confirming that their steel plates meet additional requirements for high heat input weldability. This approval scheme does not impose mandatory qualification but establishes a structured pathway for manufacturers seeking approval of steels for welding processes with heat inputs exceeding 50 kJ/cm (for normal and higher strength steels) and 35 kJ/cm (for QT steels).

Commenting on the revisions to IACS’s welding rules, Dr. Ajay Asok Kumar, IACS General Policy Group (GPG) Chair, said:

“These revisions to our Unified Requirements for welding rules were developed with feedback from steel manufacturers, shipyards, and our classification society members, ensuring practical alignment with real-world welding applications. We are confident that these important changes will ensure better alignment with international standards, greater consistency across IACS’s rules, and improved qualification standards for welding procedures for marine and offshore structures.”

For full details on the revised Unified Requirements W11, W16 and W28, visit IACS’s website at www.iacs.org.uk.

ENDS

For further information, please contact: IACS@blue-comms.com.

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 https://iacs.org.uk/about-us/annual-review.

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has announced a landmark revision to its Unified Requirement UR M78, introducing comprehensive safety requirements for marine engines fuelled by ammonia. This update marks a pivotal step toward achieving the maritime industry’s decarbonization goals and supporting the transition to zero-carbon fuels.

The newly published Rev.4 of UR M78 expands its scope to include ammonia as an approved fuel for reciprocating internal combustion engines. This development reflects IACS’s commitment to enabling innovative propulsion technologies while maintaining the highest safety standards.

The highlights of this revision to UR M78 include:

• Ammonia added to scope
  UR M78 now covers ammonia-fuelled engines (specifically anhydrous ammonia), alongside natural gas, ethane, LPG, methanol and ethanol, ensuring regulatory clarity for emerging zero-carbon fuels.
• Enhanced Risk Analysis and Mitigation Systems
  New requirements mandate gas return/recovery systems and Ammonia Release Mitigation Systems (ARMS) to prevent leaks and manage toxic releases effectively.
• Addressing Toxic Hazards and Explosion Risks
  The revision introduces measures to mitigate hazards from crankcase leakage, vent systems, explosion relief devices, and flexible hoses, ensuring crew safety.
• Updated Engine Safety Concept
  A comprehensive safety philosophy now addresses gaps not covered by IMO regulations, integrating advanced monitoring and emergency response protocols.
• Design Requirements for Gas Piping and Components
  Revised standards for double-walled piping, expansion bellows, and flexible hoses include mandatory leak detection and type testing for ammonia expansion bellows, and flexible hoses.
• Crankcase Ventilation and Monitoring
  Underpressure ventilation and continuous monitoring are required to defined concentration limits, with automatic safety actions triggered at specified conditions.
• Technical Documentation and Compliance
  Manufacturers must submit detailed schematics, safety concepts, and risk analysis reports for ammonia-fuelled engines.

Rev.4 will be uniformly applied by IACS Member Societies for engines with type approval applications dated on or after 1 July 2027.

Commenting on the UR M78 revision, Dr. Ajay Asok Kumar, IACS GPG (General Policy Group) Chair, said:

“The inclusion of ammonia in UR M78 represents a major milestone in our journey toward decarbonization. IACS is committed to supporting the industry with robust safety standards that enable innovation without compromise.”

This revision provides a clear regulatory framework for ammonia-fuelled engines, enabling shipowners, designers, and engine manufacturers to advance toward zero-carbon shipping with confidence. By addressing both technical and safety challenges, IACS reinforces its role as a global leader and trusted partner in maritime innovation and sustainability.

The IACS Machinery Panel Project Team 43 worked in close collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure that the inclusion of ammonia as an alternative fuel aligns with global decarbonization objectives. This achievement represents significant progress not only for IACS but for the entire maritime industry.

For more information and access to UR M78 Rev.4, visit here.

ENDS

For further information, please contact: IACS@blue-comms.com

Notes to Editors:

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, including Unified Requirements, set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS.

More information about IACS can be found by visiting www.iacs.org.uk.

Alex Gregg-Smith, President, Marine & Offshore, Bureau Veritas, announced as incoming IACS Council Chair and to take up his position on 1 July

The Council of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has announced the election of Alex Gregg-Smith to the position of IACS Chair. Mr Gregg-Smith will assume the role on 1 July and his term of office will run until 31 December 2027.

On being selected unanimously by his peers in the Association, Mr Gregg-Smith commented, “The maritime industry is at a crucial stage in its technical, digital and environmental evolution. The role of IACS in ensuring these far-reaching changes are implemented at pace, uniformly and with safety at the core, is fundamental. I am honoured that the IACS Council has elected me to oversee the Association at this pivotal time.”

Mr Gregg-Smith has over twenty years’ experience with Bureau Veritas, as well as extensive experience in leadership roles in both shipyards and shipowners. He has also recently taken over the position of President, Marine & Offshore, Bureau Veritas, and is a dual UK-French national.

Mr Gregg-Smith becomes the third elected IACS Council Chair following governance changes introduced in 2020, which also saw the creation of an elected General Policy Group (GPG) Chair co-located in London with the IACS Secretariat.

Together, and in full consultation with the IACS Council, the Secretary General and the GPG Chair will ensure that the Association’s extensive work programme continues to be delivered in line with its Strategic Plan while Mr Gregg-Smith transitions into the role.

Mr Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General, congratulated Mr Gregg-Smith, saying, “The election of Alex by the IACS Council reflects the collective desire of our twelve Member Societies to ensure IACS engages at the highest level and continues to provide regulators and industry with the impartial, non-commercial, expert technical input necessary to support our shared goal of safer, cleaner shipping.”

Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, 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.

ENDS

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

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

E: secretariat@iacs.org.uk

T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660

 

Notes to Editors:

1. Alex Gregg-Smith, President, Marine & Offshore at Bureau Veritas, leads the Group’s global Marine & Offshore business, supporting the maritime industry through a period of significant transformation with a focus on safety, sustainability, and operational resilience. Alex brings more than 30 years of experience across classification, shipowner, and shipyard leadership. He has spent over 20 years with Bureau Veritas across two periods, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Marine & Offshore Asia Pacific, and Chief Executive for Marine & Offshore China. His earlier career at Bureau Veritas included senior technical and management roles across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Beyond Bureau Veritas, Alex has held senior roles in the maritime industry, including Manager of the London Maritime Service Centre at DNV, Vice President Technical at Siem Shipping managing the company’s owned fleet, and Chief Executive Officer for the owners of FSG shipyard in Germany. Alex holds an M.Eng in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and a Master of Laws in Maritime Law. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (F.RINA).
2. A photo of Mr Gregg-Smith are attached here.

More information about IACS can be found by visiting www.iacs.org.uk.

IACS has published a new Unified Requirement (UR H2) establishing a comprehensive safety framework for ammonia release mitigation systems (ARMS) on ammonia-fuelled ships.

The UR provides harmonised requirements for the design, testing and certification of ARMS intended to manage ammonia releases during normal operations and foreseeable abnormal scenarios.

Key takeaways from the new UR H2 include:

• Enabling the Safe uptake of ammonia as a marine fuel
  It aligns with MSC.1/Circ.1687 and provides clarity on how ammonia release mitigation systems should be implemented, assessed, and approved by Classification Societies.
• Facilitating the application of ARMS.
  Achieved through setting out a clear framework for evaluating ammonia release scenarios and corresponding mitigation measures. This approach supports the development of tailored technical solutions while maintaining a consistent safety objective.
• Recognising multiple technical solutions while ensuring consistent safety outcomes.
  It covers a range of mitigation concepts—including dissolution tanks, scrubbers, combustion units, and dilution systems—without constraining innovation, provided that defined safety objectives and exposure limits are met.
• Establishing clear expectations for testing, certification, and onboard readiness.
  The UR defines workshop and onboard testing regimes, certification requirements, and operational readiness criteria to ensure that ARMS remain effective in mitigating the hazards connected with operational ammonia fuel releases.

As the industry accelerates its transition toward alternative fuels, the need for harmonised standards becomes increasingly important in meeting decarbonisation objectives. IACS UR H2 is therefore a welcome contribution to the global efforts to transition to zero-carbon fuels.

With reference to the release of UR H2, the Safe Decarbonisation Panel Chair, Eva Peno Jimenez, noted:

‘This publication represents an important step towards harmonised global standards for ammonia-fuelled ships. By providing a common technical reference, the UR supports designers, shipowners, equipment manufacturers and regulators, and facilitates consistent implementation across the IACS membership.’

For more information and access to UR H2, please visit here.

ENDS

For further information, please contact: robertashdown@iacs.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

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, including Unified Requirements, set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS.

More information about IACS can be found by visiting www.iacs.org.uk.