IACS sets forward strategy
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The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has agreed unanimously a forward strategy and work plan for the upcoming year at its 67th Council meeting in Oxford, chaired by Tom Boardley, Lloyd’s Register Marine Director. All members agreed to reiterate the guiding principles of IACS regarding safety, quality, integrity and environmental protection.
At the meeting, IACS has agreed to instruct an advisory group of its experts to have an open discussion and exchange of information on the state of the art of container ship structural design, construction, operation and survey.
Roberto Cazzulo, Chairman of RINA Services, took over the chairmanship of IACS on July 1, 2013. He says, “IACS is the key technical body in global shipping. It is important that we reinforce our commitment to our fundamental aims and ensure that our work programme delivers that. I am looking forward to a busy year, bringing the Harmonised Common Structural Rules into life and helping IACS and all its members to deliver the highest technical standards that our great global industry needs.”
Key strategic objectives are:
Leadership: to partner IMO and industry to develop a safety level regulatory framework for achieving a better balance between safety, environmental protection and sustainability.
Knowledge: to finalise the IACS Harmonised CSR for new bulk carriers and oil tankers and to promote energy efficiency and green technologies.
Quality: to further enhance and reinforce IACS QSCS (quality system certification scheme) providing interested parties with open information on certification bodies’ and auditors’ performance.
Transparency: to strive for an international statutory legal framework to improve accident and incident reporting and investigation with a view to facilitating data exchange and learning lessons more quickly.
Detailed information on IACS’ strategy and work plan for the forthcoming year can be found atwww.iacs.org.uk/document/public/explained/IACS Strategy 2013.pdf
