The entire Middle East and India is in an extremely expansive situation. In addition to the state-owned shipping companies, some private ones have recently started up which increases the competition.
The international fleet in the region is young and modern. The companies are very quality-minded, they have the latest management system certificates and are perhaps even more concerned than companies from the rest of the world for being detained in Port State controls.
After almost 30 years in the area, DNV is well connected with all the major shipping companies. We are now the largest and most rapidly expanding classification society in the region. We try to build up partnership with the shipowners by offering much more than traditional classification work – primarily related to technical issues including training.
When the common Rules for tankers and bulk carriers come into force, competition will be on quality and service.
This means that we need to have continuous improvement on our service towards our clients.
To increase our service level, we in Middle East and India will have all the employees attending culture- and service-related courses. In addition we have chartered our own service launch to be available 24 hours, seven days a week for vessels anchored off Fujairah. We create 3-D models of all major newbuildings for owners in the region, so that we will be able to serve the client locally when the needs are there.
Partnership is a good strategic move when the shipowners and DNV share the same vision and values. This is true for the majority of the owners in this region.
Eivind Grøstad,
Regional Manager Middle East and India, DNV Maritime