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Classification society Germanischer Lloyd (GL) has released updates to its Rules for Seagoing Ships and Naval Vessels, which came into effect on 1 May 2012.

Some of the most notable changes to individual rules include the Rules for Machinery Installations, which now have new requirements for exhaust gas cleaning systems. These requirements address system layout, safety concept (hazard analysis), materials, and handling of noxious process substances. The requirements for functional testing onboard are also covered.

GL’s Structural Rules for Container Ships have undergone major amendment. They include a new sub-section, "H", which has been added covering "devices for improving propulsion efficiency".

The GL Rules and Guidelines are available for download for the first time in their entirety. Up to this point the Rules and Guidelines have only been available on a section by section basis. Visitors to Germanischer Lloyd’s website will now be able to download a complete pdf version of any of the individual Rules or Guidelines free of charge.