EMEA News
DNV, GL Merger Moving Forward
The merger between classification societies Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and Germanischer Lloyd SE (GL) is moving forward, and the companies are planning to ramp up their focus on safety using their combined resources, DNV says.
The firm said the integration-planning process is ongoing in both companies, and the competition filing is in progress globally.
The combined company, DNV-GL, will have 17,000 employees, including 5,600 dedicated to the shipping industry, and will have a presence in 100 countries.
DNV also said an increased focus on ship safety was their main priority, and that serious accidents, including hull penetration and immobilisation of main engines, have increased to almost twice the level they were at the start of the millennium.
"Learning through experience exchange between ship segments is essential to improve overall safety," said Tor Svensen, chief operating officer for Asia Pacific and president of DNV Maritime and Oil & Gas.
"Together, DNV and GL will be in a better position to share and develop knowledge to the benefit of the whole shipping industry."
Svenson said the merged firm will invest 5 percent of its turnover in research and innovation (R&I) to support safer shipping.
"We're convinced that investing in R&I will be a catalyst for innovation and technology development, leading to safer and more cost-efficient shipping," he said.
"Class has to make the continuous drive to improve safety a number one priority.
"This means that we have to drive the agenda for improved risk management."
DNV and GL announced their merger plans in December, saying the new company will be organised as a Norwegian limited liability corporation, with DNV's group CEO Henrik O. Madsen serving as CEO.
