On Friday the 11th of January 2019, the annual DNV GL’s Press Conference took place in the company’s offices in Piraeus, with a few distinguished journalists and media people of the maritime sector attending. George Teriakidis, Regional Business Development Manager, along with Jason Stefanatos, Senior Research Engineer, displayed the main presentation.
The classification society within the year of 2018 attempted a number of initiative efforts and ideas in order to keep customers satisfied, while amplifying its support to the local market. Marketing & business development segment was furthermore reinforced, by optimizing regulatory procedures, promoting the advisory services, strengthening customers’ service support and marketing team. DATE (Direct Access to Technical Experts) was upgraded, providing customers with solutions and continuous support, with a 97% response in due time, and an urgent cases handling within 3.3. hours on average. As far as the Greek owned new buildings are concerned, 37% of the mGRT, and 38% in terms of the number of vessels, was classed by DNV GL, along with an addition of 28 vessels in service (1.3 mGRT) coming from other classes. Personal touch and direct communication with the clients consisted a matter of great importance, leading to a positive feedback from customers and the market in general.
Maritime Forecast to 2050, DNV GL’s newest research, was briefly presented. Following the previous successful releases, this innovative study promotes insights for environmental and climate regulations, driving technologies that include alternative fuels, and regulatory developments. Looking ahead, the classification society’s experts foresee, that by 2050 there will be a 37% growth in seaborne transport demand, meaning that arguably, a necessity for a bigger number of ships will be emerged. Propulsion technologies, alternative fuels, reducing the Greenhouse gas emissions, and compliance with all IMO regulations will be in the spotlight for the next upcoming years. Moreover, digitalization is expected to be the key enabler for the improvement of the world fleet effectiveness, by coordinating ships and ports with the use of AIS data, contributing in the emission reduce. It appears that all alternative fuel paths confront challenges and barriers, but safety and environmental aspects consist the overriding concern.
Alternative Fuel Insight Platform, a novel DNV GL online application, was also presented. This sophisticated tool promotes an overview of alternative fuel projects, technologies, scrubbers, bunkering infrastructure and suppliers. Information is free to access, rendering the platform a prominent and up to date search resource for the ones interested.
Following the presentation, the representatives were happy to answer all questions raised by the guests, while having constructive discussions.

Caption: Georgios Teriakidis - Regional Business Development Manager

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