DNV GL Promises New R&D Investments

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen was chosen to head the maritime division

As it defines its new identity as a unified company, classification society DNV GL says it is beginning new technology projects that will involve "significant and continuous investments" in research and development.

"It was from this broader view that our new brand strategy of our expansive, expert services and customer enablement was created," said Stefan Nerpin, chief communications officer of DNV GL.

The company was formed through the merger of Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and Germanischer Lloyd SE (GL), which closed in September.

"In defining our new identity as DNV GL, our company's vision of making a 'global impact for a safe and sustainable future' has never been more relevant than it is today," said President and CEO Henrik O. Madsen.

"The new brand that we launch today reflects our broader service offering aimed at enabling our customers to make the world safer, smarter and greener."

The company has also announced the appointment of Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen as president of DNV GL Maritime starting on January 1, 2014.

Ørbeck-Nilssen began working for DNV in 1990 as a structural engineer and held a variety of project management and management positions before becoming director of a division consisting of Europe (excluding Germany), Africa, and the Americas in September 2013.

He will be based in Hamburg and will be a member of the executive committee.

"I am excited about this possibility to develop DNV GL further in the shipping and offshore industries together with our customers and colleagues throughout the world," Ørbeck-Nilssen said.

"Looking ahead, we are all facing times of change and opportunities."