Class Entry Express is a new fast-track ‘red carpet service’, providing owners that change class to DNV with a promptly delivered binder containing all the full-term certificates.
The new express service will reduce the time it takes to change class to DNV by up to 80 per cent compared to previous practice. This should be good news for owners changing class to DNV.
The improved efficiency will also enable DNV to handle the increased number of class entries to DNV – up by 40 per cent since 2005.
The new system allows ship owners to benefit from an accelerated schedule, according to which they will receive a complete binder of certificates instead of individual certificates arriving separately at various times. Class Entry Express will initially be available to selected ship types and ages – all vessels under 15 years of age except passenger vessels and all certificates except Fishing Vessel Safety, Tonnage, and Suez.
“We are meeting the expectations for even better service to owners that have chosen to change class to DNV,” says Michael Aasland, Head of Section – Class Transfers.
Increase in number of class transfers to DNV
Currently more than 20 per cent of DNV’s total fleet are class entries. For bulk carriers, DNV has been even more successful at attracting vessels from other class societies – more than 40 per cent of DNV’s bulk carrier fleet are class entries!
Owners are changing class to DNV in increasing numbers for several reasons, but DNV’s outstanding quality performance is certainly a major factor. For the second year in a row, DNV has achieved the top position in the Paris MoU Port State Control statistics. Other reasons include: the high service level provided by DNV, additional services provided by DNV such as the Class Entry Packages, and DNV’s global network of highly qualified surveyors.
DNV has developed the Class Entry Packages concept to clearly substantiate the advantages of changing class to DNV. The contents of the Class Entry Packages are tailormade, and follow from in-depth discussions on the specific needs of the owner or manager. In some cases, DNV’s standard services will match these needs, but in many cases special adjustments to the scope have been made in order to best support the owner’s needs.
Streamlined process
The new service streamlines the process, and starts immediately after the Memo of Understanding for the Class Entry is signed by both parties. In the new system the collection of documents is more efficient, with approval engineers now working in parallel instead of consecutively.
Other improvements simplify and clarify the process. There will be two new clearly defined document categories – ‘needed for the issuance of full-term certificates’ and ‘requested for support to the owner’ – instead of the previous three.
The improvements are based on a new and improved work process, which will enable DNV to exceed the IACS requirements as to the collection of documentation in connection with class transfers. A full Nauticus product model – up to the same level as DNV newbuildings – has also been built for each class entry vessel.
Working Smarter, Not Harder or Faster
“This is basically about working smarter, not harder or faster,” says Mr Aasland. “We knew we had a potential for improvement compared to the previous work process, and we have re-designed the whole work process. This has enabled us to make not only an incremental change but also a really significant improvement.
“With Class Entry Express, we will be able to provide significantly better service to owners and also to better handle the increasing number of class entries to DNV,” concludes Mr Aasland.