ClassNK Awarded Authorization from the U.S. regarding Tonnage Measurement and Load Lines.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has entered into an agreement with ClassNK to officially delegate authority to the world’s largest classification society for certification in accordance with the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships and the International Convention on Load Lines.
Under the agreement, signed on 8 December 2011 between Rear Admiral P. F. Zukunft, Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship, and ClassNK Executive Vice President Dr. Takuya Yoneya, the Tokyo-based classification society is authorized to perform surveys and issue certificates for the tonnage measurement and load lines of U.S. flagged vessels. ClassNK’s authority for tonnage measurement also includes ships of U.S. registry on domestic voyages in accordance with domestic regulations.
Following on from this agreement, ClassNK expects to conclude similar deals with USCG regarding certification in accordance with the SOLAS and MARPOL conventions in the near future.
This agreement makes the U.S. the 104th flag administration to delegate authority for certification of its registered fleet to the world’s largest classification society, ClassNK. The U.S. register held 6,371 vessels totaling 11,941,087 gross tons as of the end of December 2010 (propelled sea-going vessels of not less than 100GT).