Greener Ship Recycling: DNV GL to Certify 50 LHMS for Norddeutsche Reederei

DNV GL and Norddeutsche Reederei H. Schuldt have signed a contract to carry out Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) certifications for the shipping company’s managed fleet of more than 50 vessels. The first vessel to undergo sampling and testing is the 3,700 TEU container vessel Northern Dexterity. Once complete, this certification provides independent verification of the vessel’s IHM, as required by the European Ship Recycling Regulation.

“The IHM is an important step on the way to ensuring environmentally responsible ship recycling and therefore also important to us at Norddeutsche Reederei. DNV GL has long-standing experience in this field and we are pleased to be working with them on this,” says Dennys Wulf, Quality Management Director at Norddeutsche Reederei H. Schuldt.

“Norddeutsche Reederei has clearly demonstrated its commitment to establishing sustainable recycling practices and we at DNV GL are very pleased to have been chosen as a partner for this. Having fleets evaluated early on is something we recommend to all our customers, and this is an excellent example,” adds Gerhard Aulbert, Global Head of Practice Ship Recycling at DNV GL – Maritime.

The sampling and analyses on board Northern Dexterity is being carried out by hazmat specialists from the two independent laboratories exag GmbH Marine Consulting and QSU GmbH, under the supervision of DNV GL. The vessel is scheduled to receive the IHM certificate in February 2017. The project is expected to be completed by early 2018.

The IHM is one of the cornerstones of the European Ship Recycling Regulation, which requires every EU-flagged newbuild to carry an inventory of all hazardous materials contained in its structure or equipment, with a statement of compliance by 31 December 2018. The IHM is also an important feature of the Hong Kong Convention, expected to enter into force in 2020.

The European Ship Recycling Regulation, in force since 30 December 2013, addresses the environmental and health issues associated with ship recycling while avoiding unnecessary economic burdens. Applicable to all EU-flagged vessels as well as non-EU-flagged ships calling at or anchoring in ports within the European Union, it accelerates the implementation of the requirements of the Hong Kong Convention and sets out responsibilities for shipowners and recycling facilities both within the EU and in other countries. Of around 60,000 ships around the world, about two-thirds are affected by it.

Norddeutsche Reederei H. Schuldt is a long-established company in the maritime industry. Exemplary management, future-oriented strategies, and good relationships with partners and staff form the basis for a success story that has lasted close to 150 years. The fleet mainly consists of modern container vessels and their sizes reflect developments in the market. Norddeutsche Reederei H. Schuldt is a leading partner to international liner companies, which utilize the company’s vessels to cover their tonnage needs in various global trades.

Driven by the purpose of safeguarding life, property, and the environment, DNV GL enables organizations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. It provides classification, technical assurance, software, and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas, and energy industries. DNV GL also provides certification services to customers across a wide range of industries. Operating in more than 100 countries, DNV GL’s professionals are dedicated to helping customers make the world safer, smarter, and greener.

DNV GL is the world’s leading classification society and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry. It enhances safety, quality, energy efficiency, and environmental performance of the global shipping industry – across all vessel types and offshore structures. DNV GL invests heavily in research and development to find solutions, together with the industry, that address strategic, operational, or regulatory challenges. For more information visit www.dnvgl.com/maritime

This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 39  No.1 Issue last February 28, 2017.