Page 31: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (May 2003)

DNV Maritime: Changing of the Guard

Tor Svensen is the newly appointed chief operating officer of DNV Maritime.

Classification societies in particular are under increasing pressure to per- form, as they are often the first ones in the eye of the maelstrom of public opinion when an accident occurs.

Norway's Det Norske Veritas is one of the world's leading classification societies. Although fourth on the list of the world's largest class societies (classing 16 percent of the world's fleet, or 93.3 million grt), the organi- zation is highly regarded for its tech- nical expertise and commitment to environmental issues.

Recently Tor Svensen took over the helm of DNV, and while he has no immediate plans to change its current strategy, he wants to increase the glob- al credibility of classification soci- eties, particularly that of DNV.

At face value, it is worthy to note that less than half of DNV's overall business, (44 percent to be precise), is from the maritime industry, with certi- fication, offshore work and consulting making up the other 50-plus percent.

But Norway's deep cultural affinity for the sea and the unique relationship of the Norwegian cluster help ensure that

DNV is on the cutting edge of the business. DNV classes more than 70 percent of the Norwegian fleet, but this is a shrinking business as owners move headquarters to more economi-

May 2003

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Rapid-fire change is the only thing that stays the same in today's increasingly regulation-heavy, litigious maritime industry. Norway's Det Norske Veritas is there to help smooth out the curves.

It is no overstatement to say that the marine business is undergoing one of the most dramatic wholesale changes in a generation. With political pressure mounting from disasters such as

Prestige and security concerns height- ened due to the threat of terrorism, no stone has been left unturned. cally friendly environs. While the home offshore market is stagnant, the compa- ny continues to grow its offshore opera- tions through expansion, recently open- ing a 10-person office in Angola to serv- ice this burgeoning region.

Svensen emphasizes that the organiza- tion's strategy and commitment to quali- ty, performance and service remain competitive factors for increased global activity. "There is no doubt that there is political pressure, stemming from a series of major maritime disasters including the Prestige sinking, to tighten regulations and means of enforcement.

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