“As the digital transformation of the industry accelerates, IACS must continue to remain a synonym for quality. We must uphold the high standards we have set, but make sure that we are providing the support the industry needs to respond to the challenges of today and of the future”, Ørbeck-Nilssen said.
As such, one of the most important parts of the coming year will be to implement the IACS Council decision to improve the quality and transparency of internal benchmarking, performance and membership criteria. Ørbeck-Nilssen is implementing these long-term initiatives as part of IACS’ wider commitment to extending the length of the its strategic plan to five years, aligning it with the IMO; ensuring a more consistent vision and bringing a greater sense of continuity to the association.
“Our industry is becoming more complex,” said Ørbeck-Nilssen. “Digitalisation is changing not only the way the shipping business is being conducted, but the systems themselves and the way they interact together. Because of this, Class needs to be adaptable and flexible in our delivery and thinking. IACS members should be enabled to provide the services that our stakeholders require in the digital age, as these are essential for competitive and safe operations.”
As part of his time as Chairman, Ørbeck-Nilssen will also be initiating a review of IACS Resolutions to identify and remove elements hindering the development of new technologies, including ship autonomy. In addition, IACS will commence work on developing procedures relating to the deployment of electronic certificates, while continuing to support the IMO’s work in promoting their use throughout the industry.
Modernising survey methods and enabling the use of new technologies will be another focus area. Ørbeck-Nilssen is overseeing the evaluation and further development of the results of the newly established working group reviewing the implications of new survey technologies and techniques, including CBM (condition based monitoring) and RMD (remote monitoring and diagnosis), with a view to developing IACS guidelines and recommendations that enable the data from these new techniques to be used more widely in the survey process.
“To help the shipping industry continue to play its vital role in world trade, we need to work on initiatives that enhance the ability of IACS members to offer innovative, relevant and efficient services,” said Ørbeck-Nilssen. “By doing so we can leverage the unique technical capabilities of our members and work with regulators and stakeholders, to ensure that shipping continues to advance in terms of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.”
Photos of the press conference can be downloaded here.
About IACS
Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, IACS makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development. More than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS. Visit www.iacs.org.uk to learn more.
Media contact – IACS:
Contact: Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General
E: robertashdown@iacs.org.uk T: +44 (0) 20 7976 0660
International Association of Classification Societies
Permanent Secretariat 6th Floor 36 Broadway London SW1H 0BH UK
T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660 www.iacs.org.uk
Media contacts – DNV GL:
Nikos Späth, Head of Media and Public Relations
DNV GL Maritime Communications
Tel.: +49 (0)40/36149-4856
E-Mail: nikos.spaeth@dnvgl.com
Andreas Bodmann, Director
DNV GL Maritime Communications
Tel.: +49 (0)40/36149-6143
E-Mail: andreas.bodmann@dnvgl.com
Notes to Editors:
- Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development. More than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS.
- More information about IACS can be found by visiting iacs.org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at http://www.iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review-2016/
