New head for DNV

Newly appointed DNV ceo-elect, Henrik Madsen, aims to strengthen the global credibility of classification, and of DNV in particular. Madsen is currently acting as deputy CEO and will formally take over the top position in May this year.

“Above all”, he stresses, “as a classification society we must be determined in our efforts to fight sub-standard operators and vessels. We are currently engaged in a number of projects aimed at harmonising Class Rules, including the recent adoption by IACS of the common rules for tankers and bulkers; these and other measures will improve safety at sea.”

“In the future, competition among classification societies will not be on safety,” remarks Madsen, “but on how we assist customers to meet the new standards and add value to their business. As an example, the application of sound risk-management principles can do much to reduce the incidence of casualties and damage in the shipping industry.”

Madsen considers that DNV’s greatest advantages lie in its leading position in maritime technology, and in its worldwide ‘strength in depth’, particularly in Asia and the Americas.

“I have no immediate plans to make any significant changes to the DNV strategy”, he says. “But in the current climate of political pressure to tighten up regulations and their enforcement, we must reinforce the role of Class and improve public and political confidence.”