CLASSNK BECOMES AN IMarEST MARINE PARTNER

20 April 2009

The ship classification society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, or simply ClassNK, is the most recent organisation to become an Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) Marine Partner. Over 30 organisations encompassing companies, universities, research institutes and training colleges are now Marine Partners enjoying a closer working relationship with the IMarEST

“Being an IMarEST Marine Partner affords us special opportunities for enhancing our relationship with this most distinguished organization while also offering numerous benefits to our Society as well,” explains Mr. Tetsuya Kinoshita, Regional Manager for Europe and Africa of ClassNK. “We look forward to cooperating ever more closely with IMarEST in promoting our mutually shared goals of improving engineering and technical standards and skills that contribute to realizing safer and more environmentally friendly practice in the marine industry."

“We are delighted to welcome ClassNK as the latest addition to our list of Marine Partners. It is most satisfying to see the initiative expanding so rapidly and with such an interesting mix of organisations right across the maritime world,” says Keith Read CBE, Chief Executive of IMarEST. “We develop each partnership depending on the level of involvement each partner wishes to have as we recognise every corporate partner has different needs. Working with our Marine Partners, developing a programme designed to achieve their objectives is highly rewarding for our team here at IMarEST and for each Marine Partner, too. It is a true win-win situation.”

ClassNK offers a broad range of technical services aimed at promoting the safety of life and property at sea and protection of the marine environment. This includes the survey of the hull, machinery and other shipboard systems of new and existing ships as well as other marine structures to ensure their full compliance with classification rules developed by the Society. ClassNK also conducts a wide range of statutory surveys and inspections on behalf of more than 100 Flag States. Other activities include technical consulting, appraisal and certification of ships and offshore structures, quality and environmental system assessments, as well as numerous cutting-edge R&D projects. All these services and activities comprise the total ship care approach taken by ClassNK to help ensure the comprehensive safety of ships throughout their operating lives and protection of the marine environment.

Currently, more than 7,000 ships totalling some 163 million gross tons are on the NK register. As such, ClassNK is the only classification society in the world to have surpassed the 160 million gross tonnage mark. Based in Japan, ClassNK supports clients 24/7 through a network of 105 exclusive surveyor offices across the globe. Further information on ClassNK and its extensive range of services and activities is available at www.classnk.or.jp.

Further information on all aspects of IMarEST Marine Partners scheme is available on the IMarEST website at www.imarest.org or from Samantha Dawkins, Corporate Relations Executive at IMarEST. Tel: +44 20 7382 2639; Email:samantha.dawkins@imarest.org

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