The new requirements for bulk carrier newbuildings, carried out by IMO and IACS, include the following:

Permanent means of access for close up inspections will have fewer consequences for bulk carriers than for tankers, especially as double side skins become mandatory.

Amendments to the SOLAS Convention

• Double side shell.
  Application date: 2006/2007.
  While detailed requirements are still in development, IACS will provide unified requirements to local scantlings for double side as well as for direct strength analysis of the cargo hold structure. The use of the double hull and width and clear space between framing is also being discussed.
  
• Accidental flooding of cargo holds. Application date: 2006/2007
  Presently applicable for single hull construction only, but will also be required for double hull construction from 2006/2007. Relevant flooding scenarios for double hull are not in place yet.
  
• Permanent means of access for close up inspection.
  Application date: 01.01.2005
  Major consequence for tankers, less so for bulk carriers, especially as double side skins become mandatory. For single skin bulk carriers 25% of side frames are to be accessible by permanent means. A Joint Industry Group is working on the detailed interpretations, which will be presented at the DE 47 meeting in March 2004.
  
• Water ingress alarms in cargo holds and spaces forward, including remote control for dewatering of forward spaces.
  Application date: 01.07.2004
  Performance standard for water level detectors and guidelines on installation have been developed and are subject to approval by MSC 77 in June 2003.
  
• Free-fall/free-floating lifeboats.
  Application date: 2006/2007
  Subject to approval by MSC 78.
  
• Immersion suits for crew.
  Application date: 2006/2007
  Subject to approval by MSC 77.
  Amendments to the International Load Line Convention
  
• Reg. 16-1- Design loads for Hatch Covers. Application date: 01.01.2005
  Subject to adoption by MSC 77.
  
• Reg. 39 – Minimum bow height and reserve buoyancy.
  Application date: 01.01.2005
  Subject to adoption by MSC 77.
  IACS unified requirements
  
• Harmonised class notations and standard design loading conditions.
  Application date: 01.07.2003
  New bulk carriers will be designed for the same minimum loading conditions for all IACS members and will give an increased transparency with respect to what the vessels are designed for. The requirements are completed and implemented in DNV’s January 2003 Rules.
  
• Forecastle.
  Application date: 01.01.2004
  The requirements are still under discussion.
  
• Strength and integrity of small hatches and fore deck fittings. (UR S26 and S27) Application date: 01.01.2004
  The requirements are completed and about to be implemented in DNV’s Rules.
  

For more information contact: mtpno876@dnv.com