The technical evolution of offshore support vessels (OSV) has prompted Germanischer Lloyd (GL) to publish new rules for ships intended for offshore support and supply, offshore towing, well stimulation, and other specialized offshore services. On 1 January 2010, new Rules for Hull Structures of Offshore Service Vessels will come into force. These rules apply to ships intended for offshore support and supply, offshore towing, well stimulation, and other specialized offshore services. For these ships the class notation Offshore Service Vessel will be assigned, complemented by optional further notations, such as HNLS for ships carrying hazardous and noxious liquid substances…