03 August 2015
Abu Dhabi - In line with its strategy aiming to cover 50% of the maritime Arab classification market, Emirates Classification Society "Tasneef" and Abu Dhabi Petroleum Ports Operating Company "Irshad", a wholly owned subsidiary of ADNOC; recently signed a one year contract to survey and classify 31 of its offshore vessels including tugs, pilot boats, crew boats and barges. This agreement comes in compliance with the safety regulations for non-conventional ships that are not covered by the International Convention (GCC Code) which has been put into effect since the 1st of September, 2014.

The agreement was signed by Eng. Rashed Al Hebsi, CEO of Tasneef, and Mr. Ali Al Ameri, Commercial Manager of Irshad. On this occasion, Eng. Rashed Al Hebsi, CEO of Tasneef said,  "We are looking forward to expanding our services towards Irshad and we will continue our support to them by offering several maritime classification services including the annual periodical inspection of their ships to ensure compliance with the terms of crew safety; checking the efficiency, crew qualifications and required training needs; in addition to examining their  hulls and engines to confirm compliance with all the conditions related to the safety and protection of the environment."

Al Hebsi added, "All the procedures taken by Tasneef in ship inspection processes are based on the terms and conditions of international treaties and agreements signed by the UAE, under which we will issue compliance certificates for ships complying with international standards thus, enabling them to sail and carry out their operations anywhere in the world."

Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Ali Al Ameri, Commercial Manager of Irshad said, "We are proud of Tasneef as the first Arab classification society that aims to enhance the Arab maritime cooperation. We highly appreciate Tasneef's role to ensure the safety of our ships and its compliance with international standards which ultimately benefits the company and its performance in providing maritime services complying with the highest international safety and quality standards."

Al Ameri emphasized, "We also hope that all the UAE maritime community will rely on Tasneef for their classification services. Today Tasneef has transcended local borders and is poised for global prospects. Major companies in the world have recognized Tasneef as a qualified classification society in accordance with international standards."

Commenting on the importance of this agreement for Tasneef, Eng. Omar Abu Omar, COO of Tasneef said, "Through this agreement, we aim to strengthen our presence in the Arab maritime market in order to achieve our strategic objectives of making Tasneef the most reliable classification society."

Abu Omar also considered this agreement as an important step for Tasneef towards achieving one of the most crucial strategic objectives for its establishment, considering that Tasneef has become the pre-eminent classification society of the UAE and is fully equipped, skilled and has the necessary capacity, leadership and vision to deliver the best maritime classification services.

-Ends-

About Tasneef
Tasneef was established in 2012 and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The main activity is the classification of ships, maritime consulting and project management. Tasneef is already a member of the Dubai Council for Marine & Maritime Industries, which is an umbrella body promoting the interests of the industry. Tasneef is the first national authority aiming to raise the efficiency and specifications of ships, compliance with international standards and their application on both national and international companies thus; opening up new horizons for national engineers to work in the maritime sector.

© Press Release 2015