The IMO has adopted a package of safety measures for bulk carriers which include the provision of double hulls on new ships after 2006.

A range of measures designed to enhance the safety of both new and existing bulk carriers was agreed by the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) last week.

The recommendations range from major structural changes affecting the design of new ships, to equipment which is designed to assist the crew escape a sinking vessel.

The recommendations will affect the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), which will be amended, as will the protocol to the Load Line Convention.

The double-skin proposal made by the UK was adopted by the MSC and will apply to bulk carriers over 150 metres in length.

The MSC has set a target date of 2004 for completion of the technical specifications and thereafter adopted as amendments to SOLAS. The requirements are expected to come into force July 2006 at the earliest.

DNVs Hans Viig says he thinks the IMO safety package matches the IACS measures. The meetings went better than we expected. In addition to the IMO resolutions, IACS has now adopted its new Unified Requirement S25 (Harmonised Notations and Corresponding Design Loading Conditions for Bulk Carriers).

UR S25 was drawn up in response to calls from owners for more robust, fit-for-purpose bulk carriers. It will apply to all bulk carriers contracted on or after July 1, 2003.