French classification society Bureau Veritas says its proposed merger with Germanischer Lloyd would “create the global leader in ship classification”. In a statement is says that the worldwide headquarters of the new division combining Germanischer Lloyd and Bureau Veritas marine activities would be based in Hamburg. President and CEO of Bureau Veritas Frank Piedelièvre says: “Marine classification is a growing global market in which critical size is essential to long-term success. Germanischer Lloyd and Bureau Veritas are currently the two fastest growing classification companies, but they remain middle-sized players in the global market. An alliance between Germanischer Lloyd and Bureau Veritas would position both companies at the very forefront of the world’s leading organisations in the maritime classification sector. Such a position would be particularly important in Asia, where major investment will be needed moving forward – particularly in China – to meet the needs of the fast-developing shipping industry."
The BV statement also claims: “Bureau Veritas and Germanischer Lloyd complement each other ideally, in respect of their customer profiles – they rarely compete with each other for the same clients – and their geographical presence, but also with regard to their market position. Germanischer Lloyd is the world market leader in the classification of container vessels. Bureau Veritas is acknowledged for its more diversified and very successful role in the classification of highly technical vessels such as Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) tankers, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facilities, ferries and cruise liners.”
Mr Piedelièvre says, “Germanischer Lloyd unites tradition and innovation in an ideal format, combining a relentless focus on quality and service as well as international success. Its good name, its worldwide reputation, its recognised technological know-how and the competence of its workforce would be integral elements for the future success of the new group. In accordance with our traditions and corporate culture, we will depend on our already successful management teams and staff on both sides to take us into a new future. Continuity and trust in our personnel are extremely important for us“.BV has confirmed that the new marine division combining Bureau Veritas and Germanischer Lloyd marine activities would be managed from Hamburg.
Mr Piedelièvre adds: “The maritime tradition, the diversity of industries around the port of Hamburg and outstanding international contacts make Hamburg the ideal location for the common business we envisage with Germanischer Lloyd. There would be a positive long-term effect on employment for Hamburg, which city’s importance as a technological powerhouse and Europe’s ‘Gateway to Asia’ for the shipping industry would also be enhanced.”