IACS Updates Forward Strategy, Elects New Chairman

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has updated its forward strategy and work plan for the upcoming year at its 69th Council meeting held in Santa Margherita, Italy, chaired by Roberto Cazzulo, Chairman of RINA Services and outgoing IACS chairman.

During the three days of Council, high-level meetings were held with the IMO Secretary-General and Industry representatives, who participated at relevant sessions of the Council meeting.

The Secretary General thanked IACS for its continuing technical advisory work at the IMO and set out a number of current IMO initiatives including the effective implementation of IMO instruments on which IACS is advising.

The two key topics discussed and agreed at Council were:

• The continued work programme in order to meet the schedule for the entry into force of the IACS Common Structural Rules for oil tankers and bulk carriers on July 1st, 2015; and relevant IMO verification of compliance with the IMO Goal Based Standards for new ships’ design and construction.
• The continued work to develop functional requirements for structural safety of post-Panamax container ships.

Philippe Donche-Gay, Executive Vice-President and Head of the Marine & Offshore Division, Bureau Veritas, was elected as Chairman of IACS with effect from July 1st, 2014.

Philippe Donche-Gay said: “The great scope of IACS’s work goes on out of sight, focussing on the technical detail which helps keep shipping and shipbuilding safe and efficient.

All 12 members are contributing resources in the form of 350 engineers who work on IACS work groups.

The detailed plans show the very wide scope of the work of IACS and just how vital it is to shipping.”

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Press Release, June 30th, 2014; Image: BV