Electronic certificates catch on quickly at DNV GL

In a take-up that has exceeded all expectations, more than 6,000 vessels in the classed fleet are now trading with one or more electronic certificates. Accepted by 52 flag states with more acceptances expected in the months ahead, the new certificates represent almost 80% of all those issued since DNV GL introduced electronic versions four months ago.
"We have been overwhelmed by the positive response from our customers and the industry as a whole,“ said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime. "Many owners have opted not to wait for their first scheduled survey to shift vessels to the new certificates, but have asked to move their whole fleet onto the new system. Our goal for 2018 is to have every vessel in the fleet using electronic certificates in conjunction with their periodic survey.“
Ørbeck-Nilssen highlighted administrative savings for customers and the ease with which they have access to new and updated certificates as key benefits of the new set-up. Vessels with electronic certificates have now successfully passed through almost 1,000 port state inspections worldwide. Ship operators can grant temporary access to port authorities so that certificates can be checked via a secure electronic folder.