A seminal approach to class following the landmark decision by three of the classification societies two years ago to develop common edicts governing oil tanker hull structures, a complete draft set of new, unified rules is to be circulated for industry comment in June 2004. Drawn up by American Bureau of Shipping, Det Norske Veritas, and Lloyds Register, the new rulebook is expected to be published next January, and to be brought to bear on all oil tankers of 150-m length and over ordered from July 1, 2005 onwards. The rationale behind the project for a single set of rules governing tanker scantlings was to eliminate possible competition on structural requirements and standards.