The document is to underpin the new distinguishing marks FTL(years) and FTL(years) Spectral North Atlantic, that confirm fatigue life of a ship, with check calculations requirements.

Fatigue life assessment at the design stage is necessary to ensure the required service life of hull structures through the prevention of failures originated by fatigue cracks at welded joints that affect plate structures and fatigue cracks at detail edges. The new Guidelines include the procedure for calculation of fatigue life by using S-N curves, cumulative damage approach as well as a range of stress assessment methods. The document is developed with close consideration of the relevant IACS requirements, inter alia, IACS Recommendation No. 56.