Classification Societies Establish EU Presence

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) re-opens its Brussels office within the EU maritime community.

Representatives from EU Institutions, European and international organisations came to an event organised by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) entitled, "IACS - promoting global cooperation towards safe and environmentally sound shipping".


The 80 guests included high-level EU Officials from DG MOVE, DG CLIMA, DG ENTR, DG MARE and DG Research as well as EMSA-European Safety Agency, Member States representatives and heads of leading maritime associations such as ECSA, SEA Europe and OCIMF. The broad spectrum of organisations represented is an indication of the desire for dialogue from all involved in the maritime sector. The end of the year event provided an excellent occasion to take stock of common achievements and outline future common challenges across all levels, be it national, regional or international.

In his welcome address to guests, IACS Chairman, Lloyd's Register's Tom Boardley said: "We share many objectives when it comes to the continuous enhancement of maritime safety and the environmental performance of ships. IACS and its member classification societies continuously work with all stakeholders on this challenge in order to maintain the role of shipping as the world's biggest transport sector for cargo transport in a sustainable context driven by innovative solutions". In his speech he touched upon emission reductions from ships, passenger ship safety and the Maritime Social Agenda.

Some future projects of major interest for the European Commission DG MOVE were also outlined, such as the Passenger Ship Safety Review and emission reduction dossiers (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification of emissions from ships, alternative fuels) where support and input from classification societies would be welcomed.