Germanischer Lloyd's new Guidelines for the Analysis of Alternative Ship Design and Arrangements (V-2-1) come into force in mid-July. Alternative ship design and arrangements are solutions which deviate from the prescriptive requirements of SOLAS regulations. Nevertheless they are suitable to satisfy the intent of the respective regulations. Alternative designs and arrangements include a wide range of measures, such as alternative shipboard structures and systems based on novel or unique designs, as well as traditional shipboard structures and systems that are installed in alternative arrangements or configurations. Alternative design and arrangements as specified in SOLAS can be focused on particular systems…