DOSSIER

 

Stricter inspections for tankers and bulkers


by Craig Jallal


New survey requirements for tankers and bulk carriers take effect today (1 July 2024), enhancing safety and structural integrity The maritime industry is set to undergo significant changes with the implementation of updated survey requirements for bulkers and tankers, effective from 1 July 2024. These revisions, in alignment with the latest amendments to International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ESP Code and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Unified Requirements, mark a substantial shift in the regulatory landscape for bulk carriers and oil tankers. IMO’s Enhanced Programme of Inspections, as detailed in MSC.525(106), emphasises stricter examination criteria for ballast tank coatings. For bulk carriers, coating conditions rated less than GOOD (condition with only minor spot rusting) will necessitate thorough annual inspections. MSC.525(106) details that FAIR is a condition with local breakdown of coating at edges of stiffeners and weld connections and/or light rusting over 20% or more of areas under consideration, but less than as defined for POOR condition, and POOR condition means a general breakdown of coating over 20% or more of areas or hard scale at 10% or more of areas under consideration.

This change aims to mitigate the risks associated with corrosion and coating degradation, ensuring vessel integrity and safety.In addition, bulk carriers larger than 150 m and older than 20 years will face scrutiny of their double-side skin void spaces. IMO’s document (RESOLUTION MSC.525(106), adopted on 10 November 20221, states if these areas are rated as POOR, they must undergo re-examination at each subsequent annual survey. This requirement highlights the heightened focus on structural integrity, particularly in older vessels.The IACS documents, particularly UR Z10.3 and UR Z10.4, provide further clarity on the scope and application of these requirements.

The definitions of ’oil tanker’ and ’double hull oil tanker’ have been refined to include only those vessels carrying oil cargoes in integral tanks, excluding those with independent tanks such as asphalt carriers.This change streamlines the classification process and ensures only appropriate vessels fall within the specified regulatory frameworks. Moreover, there are updated procedures for cargo tank testing on oil tankers. As per the IACS guidelines, testing conducted by the crew must now occur within a specific timeframe prior to overall or close-up surveys. This adjustment is designed to ensure testing aligns with the survey window, thus maintaining the structural integrity of the tanks and mitigating potential risks.

The impact of these requirements on shipowners and operators cannot be understated.

For bulk carriers, the need for annual examinations of ballast tanks in FAIR condition after the first Special or Intermediate Surveys post-July 2024 will necessitate careful planning. Ships built before 1 July 2008 with uncoated double-side skin void spaces must also adhere to these new mandates, stressing the importance of pre-emptive maintenance and inspections. Shipowners are advised to proactively assess the coating conditions of water ballast tanks and double-side skin void spaces to facilitate compliance with these changes.  For oil tankers, understanding the revised testing windows for cargo tanks is crucial. The IACS documents highlight that adherence to these requirements is vital for maintaining classification status and ensuring operational safety. The updated survey requirements represent a critical step forward in enhancing the safety and integrity of tankers.
Source : Riviera Maritime Media

 

 

 

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