DNV creates Gas Carrier and Alternative Fuels expert team in China

DNV has launched a Shanghai-based Gas Carrier and Alternative Fuels Expert Team to support key stakeholders amid strong growth in two thriving markets in China: large gas carriers and alternative-fuel new buildings.

China’s shipbuilding industry has made great progress in recent years, scaling up its value chains to more advanced and complex vessels, including the construction of environmentally friendlier alternative fuelled ships and a growing number of LNG carriers.

“The creation of this team demonstrates DNV’s commitment to the Chinese market,” said Norbert Kray, DNV’s Regional Manager for Greater China. “Both energy and maritime industries are transforming, with LNG and other alternative fuels essential in this process. Our team will draw on DNV’s global expertise to contribute to this transition.”

“With our new team, DNV is in a favourable position to support ship owners and shipyards,” said Øyvind Pettersen, Head of DNV China Technology Center. “Not only are we now physically close, but culturally as well. Also, through our recently established DNV SMART Center, we can support the market with our comprehensive technical competence and services.”

The DNV Gas Carrier and Alternative Fuels Expert Team, which consists of nine experts, will be led by Torill Osberg, who has over 25 years of experience in the gas carrier and alternative fuels sectors. She was heavily involved in the early developments of LNG as a fuel and, as an approval coordinator, approved the world’s first LNG-fuelled ships. She also was responsible for the development of DNV’s first rules for gas as a ship fuel and, since 2004, has advised Norway on the development of the IGF Code in IMO.

“Our new team will be supported by DNV’s global expertise and technical experts, including the Høvik and Hamburg offices,” said DNV’s Global Technical Director, Geir Dugstad. “The industry is moving East. Asia will play an increasingly important role in transforming the energy and marine industries, and DNV’s initiative demonstrates our readiness to support our customers in these transitions.”

Located in DNV’s Shanghai Office, the team’s collective experience covers gas carriers and alternative fuels competence in ship arrangements, piping, fire safety, electrical/ control systems, and structure disciplines.

DNV is the world’s leading classification society and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry. We enhance safety, quality, energy efficiency and environmental performance of the global shipping industry – across all vessel types and offshore structures. We invest heavily in research and development to find solutions, together with the industry, that address strategic, operational or regulatory challenges. For more information visit: www.dnv.com/maritime