The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has turned up the pressure on its members by raising its internal quality standards.
The group agreed a series of new benchmarks for existing members at its recent council meeting in London, while exploring ways in which it can raise the bar further in the future.
The move is the initiative of IACS chairman Knut Orbeck-Nilssen, who is also chief executive of marine at classification society DNV GL.
He said: "IACS members have once again demonstrated a clear commitment to the key values that drive IACS' activities, quality, transparency, technical knowledge and leadership.”
While current members will have to meet the new requirements, they also pose a fresh hurdle for classification societies seeking to join the association, such as Turkey’s Turku Lloyd, the Indonesian Classification Bureau and Abu Dhabi-based Emirates classification society Tasneef.
IACS is also promising to increase transparency by publishing key industry statistics in its annual report and by distributing performance data to its industry partners and stakeholders.
The council also agreed to look at other areas that might require future rule revisions, such as the development of autonomous ships.
It also said it would help the IMO to implement its new goals-based standards.
