IACS “Position Papers” are issued and reviewed regularly by IACS on key topics for the Industry. These position papers provide background to the subject matter, IACS position on the subject and summary of actions that IACS has taken.
Please click on the blue text (links) below to view/download the IACS “Position Papers”
Ballast water management
IACS will, within the IMO framework, contribute to developing practical measures and seeking globally consistent implementation of the BWM Convention during the Experience Building Phase that was established to develop improvements to the Convention. IACS also consider that technical challenges with regard to retrofit, engineering, potential safety implications and efficient surveys on-board are to be identified and adequately addressed firstly in IMO instruments or otherwise in IACS resolutions.
Container Ship Safety
IACS shares the concerns raised by marine insurers (IUMI) and the industry regarding the number of incidents/accidents on board container ships, such as cargo fires, fires in engine room, loss of containers at sea and the influence of whipping on structural design of the container ships. IACS has set Container Ship Safety as a new work area and will work with industry stakeholders to investigate the relevant cases for possible improvement of the regulatory framework to mitigate the risks of such incidents/accidents in the future.
Cyber Systems
Cyber incidents on vessels can have a direct and detrimental impact on life, property, and the environment. IACS has steadily increased its focus on the cyber resilience of ships and onboard systems & equipment.
GHG emissions from ships
The IMO goal-based regulations are the appropriate means to address GHG reduction measures globally, and IACS will both assist in developing practical detail requirements and implementation of proposed technical and operational measures.
Human Element
IACS is prioritizing the human element in ship safety, security, and environmental protection, while addressing digitalisation and decarbonisation risks throughout a ship’s lifecycle. It aims to develop inherently safer, human-centred designs by incorporating human-focused considerations in the process of developing new IACS instruments.
MASS
The advancement of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) has reinforced future trends of autonomy and the need of improved technical requirements in shipping. IACS intends to contribute to MASS through its involvement in various fora, reinforced by its maritime technical expertise, and as a trusted partner to regulators and industry.
Safety Aspects of New Technologies & Fuels
IACS is working towards identifying and developing new IACS instruments to address the safety aspects related to new technologies and fuels, while referring to available standards, guidelines and common practice in other industries.
IACS will strive to achieve technical solutions that aim to promote inherently safer designs and comply, as appropriate, with the Goals and Functional Requirements stated in the IGF Code.
Underwater Noise Pollution
IACS shares the concern about underwater noise from commercial shipping expressed in MEPC 75/14. IACS has the view that IMO is the appropriate and technically competent body to address the mitigation of underwater noise from commercial shipping globally but is working to harmonize measurement procedures.
