Türk Loydu completes IACS membership process

IACS’ membership criteria include compliance with the Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS). Meeting this standard requires independent, external accreditation, vertical contract audits of a number of ships both in service and under construction as well as Head Office and Survey Location audits.

Applicants also need to demonstrate conformity with the functional requirements of the IMO’s Goal-based Ship Construction Standards for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, among other criteria related to their ability to provide classification and statutory services.

This provided assurance that the entire Türk Loydu fleet is in full compliance with all IACS Resolutions, with the exception of a limited number of vessels. 

IACS noted that these ships will have three years to become fully compliant, or Türk Loydu will need to de-classify them at the end of that transitional period.

During this time, Türk Loydu will have equal rights of participation in all IACS working groups. However, the Istanbul-based classification society will have the status of a non-voting member of IACS.

Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General, commended Türk Loydu on completing the IACS membership process. ”I thank their management and staff for the excellent cooperation displayed during the intensive application process. Türk Loydu’s success demonstrates that IACS’ challenging but achievable Membership Criteria provide a catalyst for improving the quality of class societies and the consequent enhancement of maritime safety.”