The Common Structural Rules (CSR) are a comprehensive set of technical requirements developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) to ensure the structural integrity and safety of oil tankers and bulk carriers.
These rules standardize structural design criteria across the shipping industry, helping to promote uniform safety standards and simplify regulatory compliance for shipbuilders and owners.
The CSR address key aspects of hull structure, including:
- Global and local strength
- Fatigue strength
- Corrosion protection and allowances
- Material selection
- Structural details and construction practices
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for specific areas like cargo holds and tank regions
The rules are based on extensive research, industry experience, and feedback, and are regularly updated to reflect technological and operational advancements.
Applicability
The CSR apply to:
- Double-hull oil tankers of 150 meters or more in length
- Bulk carriers of 90 meters or more in length