Today, LR has been awarded RO (Recognised Organisation) status by the Italian flag Administration and is now authorised to issue statutory certification on its behalf to all seagoing ships sailing with the Italian flag.
In line with its new RO status, LR will establish an Italy branch of LR Group Ltd so the classification society can fully support Italy and the country’s shipowners. As LR will be authorised to work on behalf of the Italian flag Administration, owners of Italian-flagged ships will have the opportunity to work with LR for classification and consultancy services and benefit from LR’s extensive technical expertise.
By having RO status, LR will also support the Italian Shipping Community, linked associations such as the Confitarma, Atena, Port Authorities and the Italian Coast Guard as the technical branch of the Italian Ministry of Transportation.
LR’s South Europe Marine & Offshore Manager, Theodosis Stamatellos said: “This is a significant milestone in LR’s history of classification. The modern Italian shipbuilding industry started in the 19th century and the fleet has continued to grow significantly during the last century and is now one of the most important in the world in many different sectors. Our new RO status demonstrates our wide range of classification, consultancy and technical services to owners who have Italian-flagged ships. LR is now in a stronger position to support existing and potential Italian-flagged shipowner clients.”