International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) chairman Christopher Wiernicki describes the development as “monumental”.

He said: “This IMO recognition, ahead of the entry into force of the relevant SOLAS [International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea] amendment on 1 July 2016, reinforces IACS’ trusted technical advisory role.”

IMO secretary-general Lim Ki-tack was also pleased.

“The completion of this process of developing goal-based standards for oil tankers and bulk carriers, followed by the detailed verification audit process, means we now have a much closer alignment between the classification societies’ rules and the IMO regulatory process,” he said.