ClassNK announced release of the second edition of its Guidelines for Liquefied Gas Carrier Structures – Independent Prismatic Tanks, specifying the technical requirements related to the structural strength assessments of liquefied gas carriers by using direct calculation.
Following release of its PSC annual report in June, ClassNK underlined a frequency in deficiencies related to defects with quick closing valves for fuel oil tanks. In most cases, quick closing valves were inoperative due to seizing of the quick closing valves, air leakage and others caused by a failure in proper onboard maintenance.
NAPA, Danelec Marine, ClassNK, and Inmarsat debated the Internet of Things’ potential to reshape the maritime industry. The four parties noted that IoT has already benefited the shipping industry greatly. However, many are still lagging behind digitalization, with costs and lack of IoT skill being the main obstacles.
ClassNK issued its PSC annual report, revealing 426 reported PSC detentions relating to 383 ships from January to December 2017. The number of ships detained represents about 4.5 % of the total number of ships in the NK fleet. Detention ratio of the NK fleet in 2017 is about 5.0%.
ClassNK issued its Guidelines for Liquefied Gas Carrier Structures – Independent Prismatic Tanks. The Guidelines include technical requirements regarding the structural strength assessments of liquefied gas carriers by using direct calculation. The Guidelines are consisted by the Guidelines for Direct Strength Analysis, and the Guidelines for Fatigue Strength Assessment .
ClassNK released guidelines incorporating basic elements on concept design safety for automated ship operation systems. Over the last years, maritime industry has seen increased efforts towards the development of automated operation systems for ships to improve navigation safety, working conditions and ship operation.
ClassNK has released its Guidelines for Use of Drones in Class Surveys, incorporating the applicable range and procedures for use of drones in class surveys, the technical considerations for safe operation and the requirements for drone service suppliers. As drone-related technologies are improving at an extremely rapid pace, application in diverse fields is increasingly expected.
ClassNK released its Guidelines for Direct Load Analysis and Strength Assessment of hull structure. These guidelines include the load and structural consistent analysis structural evaluation method. As vessels are getting bigger, structural strength assessments during the design stage are important ensuring the safety and integrity of hull structures even in the harshest conditions of the ocean.
ClassNK reminds of the graphical symbols requirements on fire control plans which apply to all Maltese flagged ships as per Malta’s Technical Notice SLS.7. The classification society stresses that, from 1st of January 2018 and onwards, ClassNK surveyors are to confirm compliance at the first periodical Safety Equipment survey
PSC officers in recent inspections have frequently pointed out deficiencies related to the securing devices of cargo hold hatch covers and hatch coamings, according to ClassNK. Such deficiencies included seizing, damage or missing cleats, as well as damage or wastage of cleat crutches, etc.
