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ClassNK backs Greek research project into seafarer health

Japanese classification society ClassNK has signed an MOU to conduct joint projects in maritime research and environmental protection with the Maria Tsakos Foundation, linked to Greece’s Tsakos Shipping Group.

Bob Jaques, Former Editor

December 2, 2013

1 Min Read
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The agreement was signed in Athens on 29 November by ClassNK chairman and president Noboru Ueda, and foundation chairman and IMO secretary-general emeritus, Efthymios Mitropoulos.

The first project under the co-operation scheme, to be carried out by the foundation's Chios-based International Center for Maritime Research and Tradition, is a research study to improve seafarer health and welfare, largely financed by ClassNK.

The SHIPS (Study on the Health Impact of air-Pollution in Ships) project will assess levels of exposure to ambient particles to establish whether they constitute a health hazard for ship crews, especially those working in the engine rooms, and to quantify any associated potential health risks.

The Maria Tsakos Foundation - International Center for Maritime Research and Tradition, was founded in 2008 by the family of Capt. Panagiotis Tsakos, founder of the Tsakos Group of Companies.

"It is a great honour to be able to work together with one of the world's leading maritime NGO's to promote safer shipping and better conditions for seafarers," said ClassNK's Ueda. "It is our hope that this project is only the first of many such collaborations to ensure a better future for our industry."

ClassNK is supporting the new study as part of its Joint R&D for Industry program, which has provided funding and research support for more than 250 joint maritime R&D projects since its inception in 2009.

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GreeceClassNK

About the Author

Bob Jaques

Former Editor

Bob Jaques is a former editor of Seatrade Maritime Review magazine and has over 20 years of experience as a maritime journalist and moderator of shipping conferences.

Bob is an English literature graduate from the University of York with a postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London. He worked as an aerospace and media journalist in Geneva before joining Seatrade in the 1990s.

Bob is a past winner of the Seahorse ‘Journalist of the Year’ and ‘Best Feature Article’ Awards.

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