IACS Council addresses efficient cyber security

Its most recent meeting also saw a successful conclusion of the IACS Joint Working Group (JWG) on the Energy Efficiency Design Index to include new mandatory Guidelines covering the application of EEDI to an extended list of vessels.

The guidelines now cover LNG tankers, non-conventional propulsion cruise ships, ro-ro vehicle carriers, ro-ro cargo and passenger ships, as well as vessels fitted with innovative energy efficient technologies.

They also cover calculation and verification of EEDI in the case of a major conversion and how to determine minimum propulsion power for manoeuvring in adverse conditions. This means that for the first time, the full scope of the EEDI requirements in MARPOL Annex VI on a consistent basis globally.

A second JWG was also established at the meeting. Overseen by the Environmental Panel, it will address methodologies for compliance with the European Union’s Monitoring, Reporting and Verification programme for carbon emissions in EU waters.

The IACS Council also agreed to develop a recommendation on Rapid Technical Assistance so that Governments have a clear baseline as to the level of service provided by IACS members offering such a capability to ships needing a place of refuge.

Another major initiative progressed during the meeting was a commitment to further strengthen IACS’ quality management system under the IACS Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS).