Swedish Transport Agency Grants Shipping Certification Authority to DNV

DNV has been granted extended authorisation by the Swedish Transport Agency to act as a Recognised Organisation providing statutory survey services to Swedish-flagged vessels engaged in international trade. Effective from 1 September 2011, this increased responsibility for DNV has the strong support of the Swedish Shipowners’ Association, Sveriges Redare-Förening.

The authority agreement was signed by DNV Maritime’s technical director, Olav Nortun, and the Swedish Transport Authority general director, Staffan Widlert, on 30 August 2011.

As a result, as well as their own class certificates, DNV is now able to issue almost all certificates required for Swedish cargo ships including those relating to IMO conventions and codes and also Swedish national statutes.

“This increased authorisation is significant as it breaks with long Swedish flag tradition and will lead to new synergies for the shipowners,” says Johan Gärdin, DNV’s country manager for Sweden.

“Statutory certification has to be factored into the life-time of each vessel, from initial certification in connection with delivery, through annual, intermediate and renewal surveys during the operational life of the vessel. Swedish shipowners can now rely on DNV for efficient and timely execution of these services,” said Mr Gärdin.

Additionally, DNV is actively involved with shipowners and research institutions in Sweden to promote the adoption of new technologies and environmental performance best practices. One project, Research Eco Ship, aims to optimise selective catalytic reduction technology for marine applications. The project is a partnership between Chalmers, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, DEC Marine and the Swedish Maritime Administration.

“Environmental performance is high on the agenda for Swedish shipowners even though they are pulling through a year characterised by extremely competitive market conditions and political uncertainty about the country’s shipping policies,” says Mr Gärdin. “DNV’s leadership in risk management and our holistic approach to best practice and technology adoption allows for a partnership that moves beyond statutory requirements to all facets of business success.”

DNV is authorised by more than 80 flag administrations to carry out statutory certification on their behalf. The society has an international network of approval centres and more than 300 survey stations in more than 100 countries. In Sweden, DNV has offices in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö.