August 2005 23
have done more sooner to maintain the
maritime expertise we held.
GL: Shipping is after all a global busi-
ness and the IMO has been the playing
field for international regulations. The
trend to regional and national single-
handed initiatives to impose stricter reg-
ulations should be examined carefully.
Unilateral action of states might lead to
some complex technical as well as legal
issues of implementing national as well
as international conventions.
LR: The criminalization of seafarers is a
great source of concern for all in the
maritime industry. Not only does it
greatly diminish the attractiveness of the
seafaring profession, but it also hurts the
future effectiveness of the maritime
industry's shore-side operation.
RINA: Underestimating the importance
of the co-operation and competing by
reducing standards.
What are the current or near term chal-
lenges facing the industry today?
ABS: For all IACS members the most
immediate challenge is finalizing and
implementing the new common struc-
tural rules for tankers and bulk carriers.
This is the most fundamental change in
the classification profession since its
inception. The development of these
new common rules has taken an enor-
mous amount of effort on the part of all
the societies. That input has been will-
ingly given as the ultimate result will be
stronger, more robust and ultimately
safer ships, provided they are properly
maintained by the owner.
BV: Simple. We have to deliver on the
common rules, and maintain a united
IACS which demonstrates to industry
and politicians that class collectively
puts industry interests first and can com-
pete on service without damaging the
delivery of quality. We are some way
down that route, but we have some way
to go, and I call on all my colleagues to
work tirelessly for delivery of what we
have promised.
GL: Although shipping is the most envi-
ronmentally friendly mode of transport,
a number of environmental challenges
remain: Since 19 May, Annex VI of the
MARPOL Convention has been in
force. The latest annex to this body of
internationally binding regulations gen-
erates numerous changes for shipping
companies, engine builders and yards.
This can be regarded once again as an
important albeit necessary step into the
right direction. In addition, the introduc-
tion of "SOx emission control area"
where ships may only use fuel with a
maximum sulphur content of 1.5 per
cent contributes to the ecological image
of sea transportation. Further on the
agenda of IMO regulations is the recy-
cling of ships as well as ballast water
management and treatment. These
developments underline that the interna-
tional legislation for protection of the
environment is constantly in flux.
RINA: Shipping's Image: Francis
Fukuyama (Professor of International
Political Economy at the Johns Hopkins
University) said, "the degree of trust and
social cohesion in a particular society
greatly influence that nation's economic
well-being and global competitiveness."
This applies to the maritime sector as
well: we need trust and transparency
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Class Society Q&A
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