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DNV GL has published this year's first issue of its customer and stakeholder magazine Maritime Impact. It covers emerging trends in the shipping industry and bunker-related topics such as Emission Control Areas (ECAs), cost savings, efficiency and financing retrofits. This issue's theme is 'pushing the limits of performance'.

"There are many ways to unlock hidden performance-enhancement potential, from scrutinizing operating expenditure and retrofitting existing vessels to the Route Specific Container Stowage class notation and new experiences with innovative ship design," commented Tor E. Svensen, Chief Executive Officer of DNV GL Maritime.

This issue of Maritime Impact examines the challenges and opportunities that the shipping industry faces. A summary of the main topics has been included below.

- Cost savings - how to optimize your OPEX.

- Emission Control Areas - stricter limits on ship emissions require substantial investments in technology, and time is running out. Maritime Impact takes a look at the available options.

- The launch of the MSC Oskar - the world's biggest containership to date has brought the success story of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to the fore.

- Financing retrofits - Dr. Carsten Wiebers, Global Head of Maritime Industries at KfW-Bank, explains which financial tools are available.

- Efficiency surprises - amid the financial crisis, Seaspan ordered an entire fleet of large, next-generation container vessels. The first one is now in operation and is surprising its owners.

- The core team at work - a look at the issues surveyors look for on different vessel types and which DNV GL services can do the most to help owners and operators increase the safety and performance of their fleets.

- Aiming high - the Route Specific Container Stowage class notation boosts vessel utilization rates with flexible container stowage options.

- Quantum leap - Quantum of the Seas marks the next generation of cruise ships.

Maritime Impact Magazine is now available for download on the DNV GL website (www.dnvgl.com).