The Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) announced the establishment of its "Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tanker" (Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships Part CSR-B&T) on Feb. 27, 2015.

These new technical rules were developed in response to adoption of the "Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Tankers" by IACS. The requirements for Part CSR-B&T apply to both bulk carriers with 90 meters in length or longer and oil tankers with 150 meters in length or longer whose contracts for construction are dated on or after July 1, 2015.

In addition to the above, other relevant parts of the ClassNK Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships are also amended on Feb. 27, 2015, to reflect the establishment of Part CSR-B&T.