Providing technical advice to German owners is the number one priority for Sönke Pohl, who started to work at DNV Germany’s maritime headquarters in Hamburg in July of this year.

“My duties and responsibilities as Technical Support Manager are to provide the necessary support to our customers regarding technical matters related to potential or actual newbuilding projects as well as ships in operation. Together with my colleagues here in Hamburg, I monitor and ensure that the process of building and operating ships is as efficient as possible. Although this job covers all ship types, my specialist background is in bulk carriers and multi-purpose ships,” says Pohl. The fact that 70 per cent of all bulk carrier orders placed by the German shipping community are to DNV class clearly demonstrates that DNV is successful in Germany.

Back to basics
“German shipping back in the 1960s was characterised by a diversified fleet containing most types of vessels. In the 1970s, numerous German owners changed to the high value type of container ships. For a few years now, we have seen that the German shipping community is again diversifying its fleet by ordering many bulk carriers as well as other tonnage. In this sense we can call it a ‘move back to basics’. The trend is driven by a new generation within the shipping industry who want not only to be less dependent on the container market but also to utilise the competence and economic resources they possess to grow in other areas too. With the good rates and positive long-range demand forecasts for bulk carriers, it is no big surprise that the owners have decided to go into the bulk carrier market,” says Pohl.

Service aspect
“To me, the most important issue is that we are seen and accepted as a good partner to our customers, providing high value and quality input to their business processes. The great advantage we have here in Hamburg is our local competence coupled with our close proximity to the DNV headquarters in Oslo. After all, the travelling distance is only little more than one hour by plane – it is about the same flight distance as it is to Munich from here. If we need assistance from headquarters on issues, or to sit down with our people and customers, we can easily do so either here or in Oslo. Very few, if any, can match the technical competence we have in DNV and this is what we are known for. My aim, as a newcomer to DNV, is to develop this further.”

Environment
“The hot topic right now is the environment. Improving fuel efficiency is a high priority, also among engine manufacturers. Although the bulk carrier industry is very much a 15 knot industry, fuel consumption and emissions have become a key issue. While conducting specification reviews and during the pre-contract phase, we work actively with our customers in order to ensure that every aspect of the environmental considerations is reviewed. After all, new vessels for delivery in 2011 will still be trading in 2036 – some 25 years later – so to us it is important that future scenarios are dealt with today,” continues Pohl.