Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines' subsidiary APL has become the first container shipping company in the world to achieve Lloyd’s Register Hull Assessment Scheme (HAS) certification, the industry’s highest standard for vessel hull structure maintenance.
APL says it worked closely with LR to develop this new process, which is an extension of Lloyd’s Register’s existing Hull Renovation Scheme and will, APL claims, “help to raise the bar on hull maintenance and reduce the environmental impact of older vessels”.
To date, two of APL’s 15-year-old 3,821 TEU A-class vessels – APL Alexandrite and APL Almandine – have undergone the highly stringent HAS verification process. A third ship – APL Amazonite – is currently undergoing the same assessment scheme.
“The Hull Renovation Scheme is a comprehensive hull assessment, renovation and certification service that helps owners and operators to enhance the condition of their ships’ hulls, making them comparable to ships of a lesser age,” says Brian Henry, Global Manager, Ship Inspection and Assessment Services, Lloyd’s Register.
“The HAS verification process involves a similar program of assessment and renovation, but the process will be repeated every two-and-a-half years, making it even more rigorous. Our assessment of APL’s two vessels concluded that their hull structure continues to be similar to that of a typical five-year-old vessel,” added Mr Henry.
“APL invests significantly in the maintenance of our vessels to ensure we reach destinations around the world efficiently and safely without damaging the ocean environment. Through the HAS program, we hope that the entire industry will increase standards for hull maintenance.”