RIGHTSHIP and INTERCARGO have launched a new quality standard for the dry bulk sector, DryBMS.
The standard will be governed by a new nongovernmental organisation to be established later this year and will support the improvement of safety in the dry bulk segment.
Both RightShip and INTERCARGO have advocated the need for significant improvements to dry bulk safety standards. In August 2020 both organisations combined their expertise to create a single framework for the whole industry.
Supported by the International Chamber of Shipping and BIMCO, DryBMS now exists as a simple set of best practices and key performance indicators and raises the bar on safety, environmental and operational excellence.
RightShip CEO Steen Lund said he is confident that such a program will be supported and adopted.
“We are proud to launch DryBMS to the industry. The standard is a product of extensive collaboration with many stakeholders within the dry bulk sector,” he said.
“We believe that this ensures the program will be supported and adopted across the industry as a whole. The rapid delivery of the initial consultation document means that we are a step closer to providing consistent, meaningful safety expectations for the dry bulk industry.
“Handing the standard over to a new and independent NGO will ensure the standard is protected and governed with the industry’s best intentions at heart.”
Dimitrios Fafalios, Chairman of INTERCARGO said this is an important step for the industry.
“We are all collaborating in a scheme that is being developed by the industry and for the industry, which will deliver a truly robust standard with the buy-in of those that the industry relies upon to implement and support it,” he said.
“We cannot achieve the best possible result without input from a broad range of maritime organisations. Each viewpoint helps us gain a comprehensive insight into the needs and wants of our industry.”
BIMCO secretary general and CEO David Loosley said the organisation supports this collaborative industry effort to develop a single standard.
“Safety, of people, environment and assets is the primary focus of DryBMS, but the anticipated cascading effect is operational excellence which will benefit all stakeholders,” he said.
ICS secretary general Guy Platten said shipping has, and always will, adhere to the highest possible standards and best practices.
“The introduction of DryBMS is yet another example of the industries continued efforts to raise the bar on safety, environmental impact and operational excellence,” he said.
