Taking over the helm of a tightly run corporate ship, Tor Svensen has no immediate plans to change current strategy, but explains his burning ambition to increase the global credibility of classification societies, particularly that of DNV.
The new chief operating officer of DNV Maritime emphasises that the organisation’s strategy and commitment to quality, performance and service remain competitive factors for increased global activity. However, the need to protect and strengthen the role of class is also high on his agenda.
"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. Unless we take care, this trend may change the relationship between class and the international bodies. We need to reinforce the role of class to regain confidence. This will remain an important task for DNV and for all of IACS," says Svensen.
Unique role
DNV must stand up and fight for what it believes. And, according to Svensen, a leading class society must accept the responsibility of its unique role and its determination above all to eradicate sub-standard ships.
Towards this end, DNV is engaged in several projects aimed at harmonising class rules. Through IACS, the principles for establishing common scantlings are being developed. A smaller group of IACS members, consisting of Lloyd’s Register, American Bureau of Shipping and DNV, is harmonising the structural requirements for tankers. More common rules will prevent competition on basic safety standards.
Worldwide market competition is fierce with classification societies competing more on services and fees and less on rules. Consequently, DNV Maritime must continue taking a proactive, supportive and innovative role on classification, advisory and fuel-testing issues.
Svensen believes that an ongoing challenge is ensuring profitable operation to sustain major investment in competence development, products and services.
Diversification is on the cards
The new head of maritime believes DNV is likely to become a more diversified company over the next decade, providing a wider portfolio of services. In turn, this will demand an ability to implement changes, swiftly, effectively and with precision.
"Prolonged decision-making can undermine class quality, performance, service, and market positions," he says, adding that DNV’s greatest advantages lie in the field of technology – where it has held a leading position for several decades – and its global presence, which includes strong units in Asia and the Americas.
The ability to see the whole picture in an international perspective is partly why Svensen is now heading DNV’s Maritime business unit. Educated as a naval architect, he has extensive experience in research, engineering and ship design. Since 1993 he has worked his way up through DNV’s system – from section manager in advisory services, to regional manager for South East Asia in 1996 and finally as Technical Director. The job in Singapore, in particular, was where he earned his stripes: in an extremely competitive climate, DNV made some significant market inroads during Svensen’s period.
Tor Svensen recognises that no radical changes are needed to maintain the high standards that have led to DNV’s strong market position. "I’m convinced," he said, "that we are well equipped for the future. Meeting all the challenges head-on with skilled people is DNV Maritime’s bottom line."