IACS adopts harmonised CSR

IACS unanimously adopted new harmonised Common Structural Rules (CSR) for tankers and bulk carriers at its 68th session of its council meeting, held on 18th-19th December in London:

The new rules will apply to all tankers over 150 m and bulk carriers over 90 m in length contracted for construction on, or after, 1st July, 2015.

The CSR will be presented to the IMO, which will verify their compliance with the IMO Goal Based Standards (GBS) that will be compulsory for newbuilding contracts signed on, or after, 1st July, 2016.

Roberto Cazzulo, IACS Council chairman, said "This is a historic achievement and the culmination of many years of hard work by technical specialists from all member societies and intensive and continuing consultation with industry and authorities at every stage. Together we have invested a huge amount of time and money to develop these rules."

Among the main benefits of the new CSR are;

·         Ship designers will be able to work to one common standard applicable to both ship types.

·         More comprehensive structural analyses including FEM calculations covering fore and aft parts.

·         New rule checks including new buckling, fatigue and ultimate strength criteria,

·         Safety and reliability of the structure will be enhanced.

These harmonised rules took into account feedback from experience of the CSR, introduced in 2006, and very extensive input from the industry, IACS said.

CAPT

GUILLERMO PARRA AVELLO