An Approval in Principle (AiP) guides safe vessel design
Achieving an AIP enables a design to be assessed for its general feasibility in terms of compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements.
The maritime industry is at a pivotal point in terms of the innovation, and new technologies are needed to deliver a sustained lowering of carbon emissions towards the IMO’s 2030 and 2050 targets. This requires classification societies to develop and implement new standards and to support the industry in their endeavours to comply.
More and more small, innovative organisations are coming up with concepts that contribute to addressing these ‘green’ challenges, and there’s a growing emphasis on sustainable practices in the maritime industry. TGE Marine prides itself on being one of these groundbreaking maritime companies that have perfected their collaboration with classification societies to better serve the industry and to drive technical innovation – in the best interest of everyone.
As trusted partners to the maritime industry, classification societies play an important role in balancing economic viability with safety standards and environmental responsibility.
The process for an AIP consists of three stages, which all ensure that a vessel design is feasible and safe for operators. The initial concept submission will include a detailed concept of the vessel, focusing on ensuring that the design of the vessel is in the guidelines set out by the certification authority.
The certification authority will then review the concept against their safety and regulatory standards. After the certification authority deems the concept valid and appropriate, an AIP will be issued at the conceptual level. This means that the vessel is designed within the concept outlined and with the products indicated, it will be industry compliant and a feasible vessel for operation.
Pushing the limits is a risky undertaking for any one company. No man has landed on the moon by himself. Safe innovations require a team spirit driven by values shared by all involved: progress within safe boundaries.