Singapore: APL reports that it has become the first container shipping company in the world to achieve Lloyd's Register Hull Assessment Scheme (HAS) certification, which it says is the industry's highest standard for hull maintenance.
APL worked with LR on developing the new process, which is an extension of LR's existing Hull Renovation Scheme, designed to ensure older vessel hulls are maintained to the same standards as newer counterparts and are not a source of ocean pollutants.
To date, two of APL's 15-year-old 3,821teu 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.
Compared to the Hull Renovataion Scheme, "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," says Brian Henry, LR's global manager, ship inspection and assessment services. "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."
"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," says Goh Teik Poh, APL's svp for global operations & network. "Through the HAS programme, we hope that the entire industry will increase standards for hull maintenance." [25/06/07]
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