Main changes coming into force 1 January 2008- Sec.1 General Requirements— Items A203, A602 and A604 have been amended to align with IACS UR Z7/7.1/7.2/10.1-10.5.  Sec.2 Annual Surveys Extent - Main Class— A new item C306, concerning nitrogen control system for insulation and interbarrier spaces, has been added in order to align with IACS UR Z16 Rev. 2.

The condition of structural components is regularly monitored through class surveys, statutory surveys and ship owner's surveys, assessing thickness and other relevant criteria such as cracks, coating and anode condition. Up to now, this has been a time consuming and error-prone process. GL's Hull Lifecycle Programme helps to monitor and assess ship structures during the entire lifecycle.

Pipeline interventions are key procedures for onshore and offshore installations and include operations such as repair of pipeline defects, removal of internal blockages and addition of pipe branch connections. One of GL's most innovative technologies for pipeline intervention, the so-called "Grouted Tee", introduces an intelligent mechanical method to connect an off-take or tee to an existing flow line.

Standards for certification, No. 2.9, Approval Programme No. 402 - DNV's requirements to service suppliers doing thickness measurements for class.

ABS publications and applicable updates are available for download free of charge.