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DNV GL's Maritime CEO Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen recently met with Konstantin Palnikov, Director General of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS), at the RS head office in St. Petersburg to sign a bilateral framework agreement for cooperation between both class societies.

During the talks, DNV GL and RS expressed satisfaction at the positive experience of cooperation in dual classification of ships. As of today, about 20 ships are in dual RS-DNV GL class.

The two companies discussed prospective areas of further cooperation that would enable them to effectively complement each other's competencies. Priority cooperation areas include ensuring compliance of ships with the requirements of the Polar Code, rendering of relevant expert assistance to stakeholders, and developing interpretations of the Code's provisions building on RS and DNV GL's experience. The talks also touched upon cooperation aimed at improving technical standards for the safety of gas-fuelled ships.

The new framework document sets out the general procedure for delegating authority in cases where one society performs surveys of ships classed by the other, and lays down general terms and conditions for cooperation in the area of dual classification of newbuildings and ships in service, surveys of materials and equipment for ships.

"We look forward to strengthening our cooperation with RS, which will benefit the Russian maritime industry and our long-term partnerships with Russian clients," said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen.