Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) and Lovoy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and deployment of more user-friendly Safety Management Systems (SMSs).
Lovoy has pointed out that many SMSs have become so sophisticated that they lose sight of the ultimate user – the seafarer.
ClassNK has conducted SMS audits on 6,000 vessels and 800 enterprises to guarantee that each system complies with standards.
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The society has also strived to give useful information and tools for improving safety procedures. Both sides agree that unnecessarily complicated SMSs are both a problem and an opportunity for development.
The signing of this MoU brings the two parties together to enhance and improve maritime safety.
Capt. Naoki Saito, General Manager of Maritime Training and Education Department, ClassNK, said: “To support the shipping stakeholders’ ongoing and steadfast pursuit of safety, ClassNK is committed to examining every possible approach to ensure elevate safety standards.
“I am pleased to join hands with Lovoy in exploring potential and measures that will contribute to this endeavor.”
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Capt. Terje Lovoy, Senior Partner, Lovoy, stated: “Quality is not a quick fix – it’s about making lasting change. ClassNK is a world leader in quality management. Together, ClassNK and Lovoy will make lasting change by training companies to permanently stop their own people from putting unnecessary complexity into their SMSs.”
In December 2023, ClassNK granted approval in principle (AiP) to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) for a design of Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) for ammonia.
