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IMO group approves enhanced design rules for tankers

Journal Article · · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)
OSTI ID:5665909

This paper reports on a committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which has approved ship design rules aimed at reducing the risk of oil spills from tankers. The approval by IMO's maritime environment protection committee (MEPC) assures that the next generation of tankers will have double hulls or, despite reservations by the U.S., middeck or other designs that offer protection against pollution equal to that provided by double hulls. The requirement for double hull or middeck design will apply to tankers larger than 5,000 dwt. Small tankers, of 600-5,000 dwt, must be fitted with a double bottom. There are no requirements for tankers of less than 600 dwt. The enhanced design criteria will take effect July 6, 1993, for new and existing vessels from 70 nations that have signed the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (Marpol 73/78). Owners in those countries control 90% of the world tanker fleet. MEPC also tackled the problem of existing single hulled vessels. They will be able to trade until they are 25-30 years old before they will be required to meet the enhanced design criteria.

OSTI ID:
5665909
Journal Information:
Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 90:14; ISSN OIGJA; ISSN 0030-1388
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English