IACS adopts Common Structural Rules

IACS Council has unanimously adopted the Common Structural Rules for implementation to Tankers and Bulk Carriers contracted for construction on/after 1st April 2006. At its December meeting the Council received presentations from the JTP and JBP project teams and took into consideration all the comments received from industry including shipowner and shipbuilder representatives among others. The Council was satisfied that the new rules are based on sound technical principles and will help achieve the goals of more robust and safer ships. In particular the objective of removing competition on scantlings for each ship type has been achieved. The Council also endorsed a long-term harmonisation plan between the tanker and bulk carrier rule sets.