IRClass Wins SCI Contract for 33 Vessels
The ship classification society, Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) has secured a five-year contract from India’s largest shipping company, The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) – to undertake Emergency Response Service (ERS) for 33 vessels.
The classification society’s ERS is aimed at providing round-the-clock technical support by way of speedy assessment of the intact/damage stability as well as longitudinal strength of any vessel involved in a major incident e.g. grounding, collision or fire. Issues potentially arising from such incidents include excessive trim/heel, loss of stability, progressive flooding, structural impairment, etc.
On alerting the dedicated communication channel, IRClass assembles a team of professionals within two hours, to recreate the status / condition of the vessel, using a pre-developed 3D hull model, and applying the data received from the vessel.
Simulation is carried out for a series of scenarios, from stability and global / local strength considerations. This is to ensure that appropriate advice is given to the Client for correcting any excessive heel/trim, and/or limit further damage to the vessel; thus, helping the ship staff to take well-informed decisions.
Reliability of the service is established by way of mock drills conducted periodically.
The service complies with various requirements including MARPOL Annex 1, Regulation 37(4) which requires oil tankers of more than 5000 DWT (deadweight tonnage) to have prompt access to shore-based damage stability and residual strength calculations; and IACS Recommendation No. 145 – with regards to the operation of shore-based ERS.
Head Technical of IRClass, Mr. C R Venugopal said: “The commitment we have made to SCI further strengthens the existing, excellent relationship we share with the shipping company.”
He added: “This contract highlights IRClass’ growing portfolio of offering value added, beyond class services”
The contract, effective from end of February 2019, will cover multiple types of vessel including oil tankers, bulk carriers and containerships.
