Shipowners ordering bulk carriers now must ensure the shipyard provides a design that meets International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) unified requirements.
Lloyd's Register of Shipping's principal surveyor for technical advisory services, John McKay, said all shipping class societies would adopt IACS requirements for new ships, which became effective last Wednesday.
'Lloyd's Register's rules ensure that the bulk carrier will comply with the IACS requirements for new ships as these were incorporated into the rules on January 1, 1997,' he said.
Classification societies are offering compliance with the new requirements as an owner's extra for which the shipyard also will charge an extra fee.
Mr McKay, who is based in Hong Kong, said owners of existing bulk carriers must meet the retrospective requirements for No 1 holds to provide sufficient strength to withstand flooding.
Depending on the size of the ship, configuration and scantlings of the bulkhead and double bottom, and the condition of the structure, a reinforcement and/or renewal programme would be necessary.
Coupled with this were changes in the market for bulk carriers of various sizes and ages, he said.