Rapid expansion in Asia's shipbuilding and shipping activities, springing from sustained economic growth, is offering new opportunities for DNV

The focal point of some 400 shipping lines, Singapore is the world's busiest port in terms of shipping tonnage.

"Asia is an enormous market and, for practical reasons, it is important to have a prominent presence with a good mix of competence," says Ragnar Hansen, here with Nick Roper (standing).

Ragnar Hansen is DNV's recently appointed regional manager for South East Asia, and former head of DNV's marketing division. He emphasises, "Things are looking good. Today we have just one-third of our business in Scandinavia and the rest of it is from outside Scandinavia. In the past six months we have gained about 40 percent of all classification business for newbuildings in South Korea, and 20 percent in China."

DNV has a network of 70 offices in 25 countries in Asia, and supplies a full range of technical and consultancy-related services supported by resource centres in Pusan, Shanghai and the Asia Pacific base in Singapore, which has been established for more than 38 years.

"Asia leads the world in newbuildings with around 90 percent of the market; DNV gained a market share of 17 percent of all newbuildings ordered in 2003. Recently, new orders and class transfers have helped to increase the DNV fleet to 99.6 million grt - an all time high," says Hansen.

DNV has kept a close eye on the development of Asia Pacific's shipping industry. It's been a fast changing, fast developing industry and still is, but what was relevant 10 years ago in Singapore isn't as pertinent today.
"Singapore will undoubtably retain its world-leading position as a major transhipment centre and also continue its role as a shipbuilding and repair centre. However, Singapore will probably enhance its position as a 'maritime cluster' with increased activities in shipowning, ship management, ship finance, legal and other marine-related services," states Hansen.

The majority of DNV's work in Singapore is aimed at supporting shipowners with class matters relating to day-to-day operation of their vessels. However, to complement Singapore's efforts to enhance its capabilities DNV will continue to offer training courses. Says Hansen, "The need for training is tremendous; and like Europe, the demand by Asian shipowners for skilled shore and sea-based personnel is growing significantly every year."
Along with its class and training services, the Singapore office is offering its customers a wide and expanding range of value-added services from risk management to the testing of bunker fuel.

Nick Roper, head of the Maritime Service Centre comments: "In response to changing market conditions, we are actively developing both new and existing services from life-cycle risk management and integrity management to safety and environmental consultancy and R&D projects. DNV has recently established a Maritime Solutions consultancy office in Singapore to offer these services locally. We believe that the ability to swiftly respond to change, and a committed approach to further innovation and improvement, will help position us for the future."

Det Norske Veritas Petroleum Services (DNVPS) is the largest tester of bunker quality levels in the world - ensuring that contaminated fuel is avoided and maintenance costs reduced. "DNV has strengthened its position in fuel quality testings, with a 75 percent share of the world market," says Per Holmvang, the newly appointed managing director of DNVPS. "Declining fuel quality has over the past years led to a range of engine failures, creating dangerous situations. As more contaminants and wastes find their way into the bunker delivery chain, a continual quality surveillance is essential to help ship operators verify if the fuels delivered to their vessels are safe for use."

DNV and shipowners both know that detentions cost time and money. DNV is committed to supporting owners in quality ship operation while authorities increase their efforts to crack down on substandard ships and owners. Recognising this, DNV deleted 29 vessels from class last year, and has the lowest detention rates in the three principal Port State Control regions.

"The fact that DNV has the lowest detention figures reflects our enhanced efforts. It also demonstrates that we have customers who value quality highly, and that our follow-up work," says Hansen and concludes, "Now there is a new challenge on the horizon, with shifting trade patterns in South East Asia. We have to follow the direction of the trade, and we will expand our network and services to be close to our customers."