BV Backs Double-Hull Bulker Designs

Leading international classification society Bureau Veritas has given preliminary approval to three designs for double-hull bulk carriers that are expected to meet future revisions to IACS and IMO regulations. The designs, two for capesizes and one for a panamax bulk carrier, will all withstand the flooding of each individual cargo hold and side space, and have increased longitudinal strength required to meet the anticipated revisions to IACS UR S17 (longitudinal strength), S18 (transverse bulkheads) and S20 (double-bottom). "BV believes that double-hulls are inevitable for larger bulk carriers," says Bruno Dabouis, commercial manager of BV's marine division. "We are also strongly committed to common rules for bulk carriers. By focussing in detail on a number of real designs we can help owners and yards to make sensible decisions, and also actively contribute to the discussions presently taking place within IMO and IACS towards a workable common position. Studying these designs has highlighted both the problems and the advantages of different solutions for bulkers, putting us in a good position to help the industry." The three designs are a capesize with longitudinal framing in the double side skin designed by Trieste-based Meccano Marine & Industrial Engineering, a capesize with transverse framing designed by Galati-based Icepronav and Constanta shipyard and a panamax designed by Trieste-based design house Marine Engineering Services. In addition to the increased longitudinal strength, the three designs all have reinforced hatch covers, a raised forecastle and have been designed to accommodate permanent means of access for inspection and maintenance of structure, all of which are expected to become mandatory. The designs have also been examined against BV's latest comprehensive fatigue requirements. "Owners considering ordering new bulkers now face real dilemmas, due to standards which are not yet currently adopted, but we are confident that even if some details of the future requirements cannot be fully anticipated, these designs meet the essentials and this type of ship ordered during the intermediate period would not suffer any restriction after the date of entering into force of the new SOLAS requirements," explains Dabouis.