Promoting safety and sustainability with new Rules

Throughout the maritime industry runs a deep current of respect for our oceans, which motivates us all in our efforts to safeguard our blue planet for future generations. Bureau Veritas’ mission is to support the maritime industry’s progress and, to this end, this January we have issued updates to our Rules.

What’s new in the Rules?

Our updated Rules provide detailed requirements for ships classed by Bureau Veritas, as well as for offshore assets. The updated documents include:

• Rules NR467, for the classification of steel seagoing ships. The Rules now include the external requirements such as International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) unified requirements and International Maritime Organization regulations. They also comprise a new class notation, VeriSTAR-HULL FLM, which covers 3D structural analysis based on full-length models, and additional service features for LCO₂ and LNH₃ used in liquefied gas carriers
• Rules NR533 and NR476, updated to include IACS unified requirements URZ17 and W32

We will soon publish:

• Rule NR547, for fuel cell systems onboard commercial ships, created from our existing guidelines NI547 and updated in line with our fuelcell notation
• NI682, a new guideline, concerning offshore fixed substations in windfarms

United in protecting our seas

In line with the entire maritime industry’s prioritization of environmental responsibility, Bureau Veritas is building on its suite of Rules to help stakeholders throughout the value chain improve sustainability. For example, we have previously published Rules NR671 for ammonia, NR529 for methane and NR670 for methanol and ethanol. Our upcoming Rule for fuel cell systems will help to make the energy transition safer, and is intended for use in conjunction with other Rules covering the primary alternative fuel used by the cell.

Beyond shipping and into the realm of renewable energy, we are also building toward providing a full set of Rules for the main assets involved in floating offshore windfarms.

What’s next?

Our next Rule updates will be published in July 2022. They are expected to include changes to structural Rules along with updates to improve the legibility of additional class notations for clients. We also intend to modify the format of Rules to make them easier for electronic use.

The bigger picture

The creation and amendment of our Rules is driven by a single goal: helping to shape a better maritime world both for our clients and also for that other major stakeholder, the sea itself. We have been pioneering the safety and performance of new technologies since 1828. Now, drawing on years of experience, we enjoy a profound understanding of the challenges our clients face. Our expert teams aim to support organizations across the industry in making the right decisions to run safe, sustainable and high-performing businesses.