The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Council met in London under the chairmanship of Tom Boardley of Lloyds Register.
IACS agreed to strengthen the implementation of EEDI by using the industry developed guidelines as a Procedural Requirement for IACS Members. IACS chairs the joint industry working group which developed the ground breaking EEDI guidelines that have been submitted to the IMO.
By using these guidelines as Procedural Requirements mandatory on Members whose societies classify over 90% of the world fleet, IACS is setting down a benchmark for efficient and environmentally safe shipping unsurpassed by any other non-governmental safety organisation.
In furtherance of this initiative IACS Council members also agreed to work with Industry to develop an energy efficiency measure for existing ships. Presently, there is no credible industry standard for existing ships so the development of an IACS standard will have a massive impact on the ability of shipowners and charterers to understand the true energy efficiency of their ships.
The chairman reported: "We had a very productive meeting during which, among many other matters, we agreed to extend the Industry review period of the Harmonised Common Structural Rules at a meeting with industry colleagues from Shipowner Associations, Shipbuilders and Insurers."