scope:

General

Classification

In accordance with the requirements found in 1-1-3/3 of the ABS Rules for Conditions of Classification (Part 1) and 5C-10-1/1 of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels (Steel Vessel Rules), the classification notation A1 Vehicle Carrier is to be assigned to vessels with ro-ro cargo spaces or vehicle spaces designed for carriage of unoccupied vehicles without cargo and built to the requirements of this Guide and other relevant sections of the Steel Vessel Rules. In addition, the classification notation SH, SHCM is to be assigned to vessels complying with this Guide.

Optional Class Notation for Design Fatigue Life

Vessels designed and built to the requirements in this Guide and other relevant requirements of the Rules are intended to have a structural fatigue life of not less than 20 years. Where a vessel's design calls for a fatigue life in excess of the minimum design fatigue life of 20 years, the optional class notation FL (year) will be assigned at the request of the applicant. This vessel is eligible for the notation provided the excess design fatigue life is verified to be in compliance with the criteria in Appendix 3, "Rule-based Fatigue Strength Assessment" of this Guide. Only one design fatigue life value is published for the entire structural system. Where differing design fatigue life values are intended for different structural elements within the vessel, the (year) refers to the least of the varying target lives. The 'design fatigue life' refers to the target value set by the applicant, not the value calculated in the analysis.

The notation FL (year) denotes that the design fatigue life assessed according to Appendix 3 is greater than the minimum design fatigue life of 20 years. The (year) refers to the fatigue life equal to 25 years or more (in 5-year increments) as specified by the applicant. The fatigue life will be identified in the Record by the notation FL (year) (e.g., FL(30) if the minimum design fatigue life assessed is 30 years).