Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers published by RINA

Classification Society RINA has published the Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers.

This document was published on May 8th, 2023, and will enter into force on July 1st, 2023.

These Rules supersede the following Rules: Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, January 2022.

These Common Structural Rules consist of two parts. Part One provides requirements common to both Double Hull Oil Tankers and Bulk Carriers and Part Two provides additional requirements applied to either Double Hull Oil Tankers or Bulk Carriers.

These rules apply to the following types of ships:

a) Bulk carriers and double-hull oil tankers.

b) Self-propelled ships with unrestricted navigation.

c) Ships contracted for construction on or after July 1, 2015.

Note 1: Unrestricted navigation means that the ship can operate in any geographical area without limitations, except for areas with ice where the ship's capability for ice operation determines the restrictions.

Note 2: The term "contracted for construction" refers to the date when the contract to build the ship is signed between the prospective owner and the builder. For more information about the date of "contracted for construction," please refer to IACS Procedural Requirement (PR) No. 29.

These rules apply to ships made of welded steel structures and composed of stiffened plate panels.

The ship's structure should be longitudinally or transversely framed, with full transverse bulkheads and intermediate web frames.

The typical structural arrangements assumed by these rules include:

• Double bottom with depth in compliance with relevant statutory requirements.
• Engine room located aft of the cargo tank/hold region.

Ships not covered by these rules should comply with the applicable rules of the Society.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers