ABS and Lloyd’s Register to offer common CSR software

The new common software draws on the existing applications of both societies with the Lloyd’s Register approach being used for the initial scantling evaluation (CSR Stage 1) and the ABS approach being used for the finite element assessment (CSR Stage 2).

The announcement comes after two years of detailed work by dedicated teams from both societies to identify and implement the best amalgam of the strengths of both societies’ existing CSR software.

 Testing of the new joint software is being finalised and design review engineers from both societies are scheduled to begin intensive training on its application in early October. Once this process has been concluded, each of the societies will withdraw their existing CSR software and all new designs presented to either society will be evaluated using the new common software.

In the interests of promoting technical consistency and maritime safety, the two societies have also announced that, once the exhaustive testing of the new software has been completed, it will be made available to other IACS members. “At that time we will welcome any approach by our colleagues from the other societies to join this endeavour to introduce a standardised approach to the application of the Common Rules for these two ship types,” Somerville stressed. Such usage will merely require a simple licensing agreement, he added.

The IACS Common Structural Rules for Tankers and Bulk Carriers were unanimously adopted by the ten member societies in December 2005. They became effective for vessels contracted on or after 1 April 2006. They apply to all double hull tankers of 150m in length and above and to single and double side skin bulk carriers of 90m in length and upward, other than ore carriers.