The results of the recent International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) bulk carrier steering committee study, are intended to provide improved transparency with regard to the cargo carrying capabilities of bulk carriers by assigning harmonised notations and applying corresponding unified design loading conditions among IACS classification societies. The harmonised notations and corresponding design loading conditions UR S25 apply to all bulk carriers having a length of 150m or over, contracted for new construction on or after July 1, 2003.

The following principal harmonised notations and annotations have been devised:
BC-A: for bulk carriers designed to carry dry bulk cargoes of cargo density 1.0 tonne/m3 and above with specified holds empty in addition to BC-B conditions.
BC-B: for bulk carriers designed to carry dry bulk cargoes of cargo density of 1.0 tonne/m3 and above with all cargo holds loaded in addition to BC-C conditions.
BC-C: for bulk carriers designed to carry dry bulk cargoes of cargo density less than 1.0 tonne/m3.

These new notations and related loading conditions are not intended to prevent any other loading conditions to be included in the loading manual for which calculations are submitted as required by the relevant UR, nor replace in any way the required loading manual/instrument. A full list of the notations devised, together with the corresponding loading conditions, can be viewed on the IACS website - Unified Requirements