Owners of general cargo ships occasionally carrying bulk cargo can now prove compliance with IMO Resolution MSC.277(85) protecting the safety of ships, crews and cargo.  Â
MSC.277(85) extends some of the structural and safety requirements of SOLAS Chapter XII to multipurpose and general cargo vessels which sometimes carry bulk cargo. Available since July 2022, the new, voluntary DNV class notation SBC(1) enables owners of these ships to demonstrate compliance to flag states which have made these requirements mandatory. Â
Read our interview to learn more about the background and implications of SBC(1).  Â
