DNV strengthening its position and presence in Piraeus

Athens: Piraeus is to become DNV’s major maritime centre for bulker and tanker owners. Due to the tremendous growth among Greek shipowners over the past few years and to DNV’s large share of the Greek fleet, DNV is now strengthening its position and presence in the region.

2008-06-04

Greece is the number one shipowning nation. More than 20 per cent of both the tanker and bulk carrier fleets are controlled by Greek owners. The Greek fleet is today at a record high level, Greek owners have ordered more than 1,000 new ships, and new limits will be surpassed in the months and years to come.

“DNV is strengthening its position in Piraeus partly due to the growth in the Greek fleet, but mostly because DNV has managed to achieve a big share of the same fleet,” explains Ioannis Kourmatzis, DNV Maritime’s regional manager. “For ships already operated by Greek owners, DNV’s market share is not far away from 20 per cent. When it comes to newbuildings ordered by Greek owners, DNV’s market share is more than 30 per cent.”

Also as part of strengthening both its position and presence, a strategic research and development collaboration agreement was signed late last year between DNV and the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Following up this agreement, DNV has now established a research and innovation centre in Piraeus.

“Greece is a centre of power and knowledge in the global shipping industry, especially when it comes to tankers and bulk carriers. I am sure DNV, Greek shipowners and the university will together be able to create new solutions and bring this industry steps ahead by working closely together,” says Tor Svensen, the COO of DNV Maritime.

Another practical consequence of this growth is the fact that DNV is growing out of its present office and has to move to another office building.

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