This paper charts the events that have led to the introduction of the IMO Performance
Standard for Protective Coatings (IMO PSPC) for dedicated water ballast tanks (WBTs), and
discusses the main requirements of this standard. The implications for design are also outlined
with a view to identifying how future ship structural designs may be improved with respect to
coating performance. The factors that have contributed to the lack of investment in coating
process have been identified, with the resulting problems currently faced as result of the lack
of investment being outlined. The existing design guidelines provided by ISO standards have
been appraised and their applicability to ship designs considered. The aims of the current
DISPRO project are set out; these can be summarised as seeking to optimise the structural
design of a vessel to meet the needs of the coating process, whilst still satisfying all of the
structural strength and operational requirements.
Key words: Water Ballast Tanks; Design; Protective Coatings; PSPC