Class notation for vessels designed to take full cargo deadweight with some (defined) cargo holds empty.
Purpose
This class notation verifies compliance with the requirements applicable to dry cargo vessels of < 150 metres in length and other dry cargo vessels intended to carry dry cargoes in bulk. Such vessels are designed to take full cargo deadweight with some (defined) cargo holds empty. The notation is meant for the bulk carrier segment that is not subject to the requirements of IACS URS25 "Standard Loading Conditions and Harmonized Class Notations" as well as other dry cargo vessels such as typical open hatch vessels.
Benefits
The notation ensures a strong and robust vessel, with operational flexibility and fitness for purpose and includes all the features that are included in HC-B and HC-C notation. It also implies that the vessel is designed to carry solid bulk cargoes of any density, with specified holds empty at maximum draught. Such vessels have reasonable loading flexibility.
Features
The notation implies that the vessel is designed to carry solid bulk cargoes of any density, with specified holds empty at maximum draught. In addition to design loading conditions required for HC-B and HC-C, at least one cargo loaded condition with specified holds empty with a cargo density of 3.0 t/m3, and the same filling rate (cargo mass / holds cubic capacity) in all loaded holds at maximum draught with all ballast tanks empty, is required.
The combination of specified empty holds to thebe indicated with the additional notation:
Holds a, b,... may be empty
Vessels which are designed with more than one combination of specified empty holds are to have the additional notation:
Holds a, b,... OR c, d,... may be empty
In cases where the cargo density applied is less than 3.0 t/m3, the maximum density of the cargo that the vessel is allowed to carry shall be indicated with the additional notation:
Maximum Cargo Density x.y t/m3
The class notation is assigned following an approval and verification survey.
Process
Newbuilding plan approval and site survey in accordance with relevant parts of the DNV rules. Approval is carried out at the responsible approval centre. Site survey is carried out at the building yard and its suppliers.