The inquiry into the loss of the MV DERBYSHIRE raised serious questions as to the safety of bulk carriers in severe and extreme weather conditions. In particular regarding the adequacy of current hatch cover design on low freeboard bulk carriers. As a result the UK High Court recommended that further model testing was required to provide comprehensive seakeeping and wave load data to validate bulk carrier safety standards. These tests have been combined with a statistical analysis of the test results to model extreme wave impact loads.

This conference Design & Operation of Bulk Carriers - Post MV Derbyshire, is scheduled for 9th & 10th October 2001, at Cavendish Conference Centre, London, UK. It has been called to present the very important work carried out in the model test programme and to assess the likely impact of this work combined with initiatives by IMO and IACS on bulk carrier safety in the future. The programme and registration form is now available. For your copy or to enquire about conference or training courses please email Suzie Curran at or visit the RINA website to view the programme and register online.