The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) release draft harmonised common structural rules for industry comment

The Common Structural Rules (CSR) for Double Hull Oil Tankers and Bulk Carriers were adopted by IACS Council in December 2005 and came into force in April 2006. These two sets of Rules were developed independently and there were some variances in the adopted technical approaches for some elements of the Rules. To remove variations and achieve consistency, IACS made a commitment to Industry to harmonise the CSR, and the harmonisation project for the two sets of Rules began in 2008.


The harmonisation project has delivered a single set of Rules comprised of common, harmonised requirements applicable to both Oil Tankers and Bulker Carriers with specific sections of additional requirements applicable to each ship type. 


The harmonisation of the Rules involves extensive technical work, testing and calibration, and now a period for the maritime industry and other stakeholders to review the draft harmonised CSR and raise questions, observations and general feedback.


As part of the agreed process of development, IACS invites Industry to offer comments on all parts of the draft Rules prior to year-end 2012. Feedback should be submitted via e-mail to csr@iacs.org.uk.