The chemical tanker Bow Mariner, which exploded and sank on the East Coast of the US Saturday night, was built in Split 1982 to DNV class. She has been classed by DNV throughout the 22 years of operation. Bow Mariner has Safety Management Certification (ISM) with American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

The vessel has a clean class record, with no recommendations or overdue surveys. The latest Annual Survey was carried out in October 2003 in Norfolk, USA.

In 2002, the vessel went through Condition Assessments (CAP) of the hull, giving a rating of 2, which means the hull is in good condition. Late 2002 a CAP was also carried out of the machinery and cargo system. This gave a rating 1, which describes the machinery and cargo system to be in very good condition.

DNV will cooperate with the owner, the management company and with the authorities of Singapore in order to establish what caused the accident.

Date: 2004-02-29