IMO acts on bulker safety

The IMO`s Marine Safety Committee will undertake a formal safety assessment study of bulk carriers in order to aid future decision making and has referred several issues to a sub-committee on Stability and Load Lines. While the IMO adopted Solas chapter XII aimed at preventing losses of bulkers by improving structural integrity, the Derbyshire report contained further recommendations.

A working group reviewed the Derbyshire findings and has asked for consideration to be given to a number of areas. These include: the strength of hatch covers and coamings; freeboard and bow height; reserve buoyancy at the fore end, including forecastles; structural ways to reduce loads on hatch covers and forward structure; and fore deck and fore end access.