This paper reviews recent regulatory developments and operation practice that have an impact upon bulk carrier design, including: changes to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargo Code (IMSBC Code) and its forthcoming mandatory application; the entering into effect of MARPOL Annex V special areas and the consequences for the handling of cargo residue and hold washing water; and operational pressure to load at high rates in a short time frame and the potential consequences, including the recent review of the BLU Code. In discussing these issues the importance of operational experience being utilised in ship design and regulatory development is emphasised.
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