At its recent meeting, the DNV High Speed Light Craft (HSLC) and Ferry Committee discussed the latest industry developments, including the Interferry standard.
DNV’s 21st HSLC and Ferry Committee meeting was recently held on board Color Fantasy during the Ferry Shipping Conference 2005. The main subject for discussion was the development of a domestic ferry standard for Interferry. The topics discussed related to: stability and loadline, structural strength, propulsion, electrical power, fire safety, navigational safety and personnel safety. The domestic standard is under development and a first release is expected to be ready for adoption by Interferry in October of this year during the annual Interferry conference.
The event started off with Bo-Lennart Thorbjornsen of Bolt Consulting reflecting on the Ferry Standard developments over the past year. This was followed up by Mogens Stendrup, who asked: “How can the industry get out of the price-swamp?”
Regulations and legislation were also covered in the 1st day sessions. There were three presentations, ranging from the situation in Brussels by Alfons Guinier, followed by Frank Wall’s presentation on the ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code – a year later, and then a look at crew costs as a competitive tool by David Greenhalgh.
Subjects covered during the 2nd day sessions included Motorways of the Seas and ferry technology. The latter session included a presentation by DNV’s Robert Løseth about the environmental regulations coming into force and their consequences. Olav Nakken also gave a presentation relating to the new stability requirements and trends in the Ro-Ro/RoPax designs.
The committee, which has been running for a number of years, provides valuable feedback for new rules under hearing. Its members comprise representatives of major shipping companies, yards and equipment suppliers, and is taken well into account by DNV when making new rules or introducing new services for the industry.
Date: 2005-06-06