While there was a controversial discussion about a double side skin construction of bulk carriers within IMO, etc. as one means of bulk carrier safety measure, please be informed that IACS (International Association of Classification Societies), on 16 July 2002, posted a Pros and Cons Table of Double Side Skin Construction (DSS) vs. Single Side Skin Construction (SSS) for New Construction under SOLAS Chapter XII on IACS' web site, after a comprehensive assessment from a technical view point and that IACS welcomes comment from all interested parties on this information.

You can access the Table from www.iacs.org.uk, "Other Technical", "Double Hull for Bulk Carrier?" then "Table".
The Table is attached to this Technical Information for your ready reference.

For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
External Affairs Division, Administration Center, Head Office
Address: 4-7 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2038
Fax: +81-3-5226-2039
E-mail: xad@classnk.or.jp


Attachment:
1. Pros and Cons of Double Side Skin Construction (DSS) vs. Single Side Skin Construction (SSS) for New Construction under SOLAS Chapter XII (With comments made by JWG/ BCS)