ClassNK launches new consulting service for MLC

ClassNK has offered a new consulting service for the International Labour Organisation's Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, Seatrade-asia reports. The new service comes just as shipowners are beginning to address the requirements of the new convention, and as ClassNK moves to expand its services in maritime consulting. The MLC lays out regulations that cover the working conditions and living environments of ships crews, and will enter effect 12 months after being formally ratified. ClassNK's new consulting service is being offered to help shipowners and operators in their efforts to ensure compliance with the new convention, including carrying out gap analysis, preparation of necessary documents, and development of implementation and record keeping procedures. Thirty or more countries representing 33% of the world's commercial fleet must ratify and implement the new convention before it can enter into force. Twelve countries representing 48% of the world's fleet have already ratified the MLC.