Source: The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).
IACS council meeting
The International Association of Classification Societies chaired by Philippe Donche-Gay of Bureau Veritas (BV) held its December council meeting yesterday in London.
The flagship Common Structural Rules project for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers was discussed and a presentation delivered to industry representatives who attended the closing session. The rules are due to enter into force on 1 July 2015.
The IACS expert group on structural safety of container ships reported on a post 'MOL Comfort' review which it has carried out. This work has resulted in the development of two new IACS unified requirements (URs): UR S11A - which is a longitudinal strength standard for container ships - and URS34, dealing with functional requirements and load cases for direct analysis of container ships. These two URs will be delivered during the first quarter of 2015.
URs are minimum technical requirements adopted by all IACS members that refer to specific class rules requirements. URs are not intended to address all strength aspects of hull structures as that is the function of the class rules of individual members.
Two new IACS initiatives were also discussed: the first one on LNG bunkering guidelines and the second dealing with complex on-board systems.
LNG bunkering guidelines are presently being considered by a number of organisations and the IACS initiative will seek to build on what has already been introduced.
Complex systems is a topic of crucial importance for the industry as on-board systems develop rapidly in complexity. IACS is currently focussing on this subject with the formation of a dedicated expert group.
At the last tripartite meeting (shipowners, shipbuilders and classification societies) in Shanghai in October steps were taken to publicise these items to the industry participants and this continued at the council meeting where plans for future cooperation were discussed with industry representatives.
