The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has turned up the pressure on its members by raising its internal quality standards.

The group agreed a series of new benchmarks for existing members at its recent council meeting in London, while exploring ways in which it can raise the bar further in the future.

The move is the initiative of IACS chairman Knut Orbeck-Nilssen, who is also chief executive of marine at classification society DNV GL.