The Emirates Classification Society, TASNEEF, has recently reached a number of important agreements which should boost local activity for its teams if inspectors and surveyors over the next few years.

TASNEEF has signed a contract with newly formed regulator Abu Dhabi Maritime, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Ports and the Department for Marine Transport, to carry out inspections on local vessels, marines, and maritime activities. According to Eng. Waleed Altamimi, TANSEEF Maritime General Manager: “We started work on this important project in March 2021. It could generate up to 10,000 inspections a year, giving us much-needed experience and the opportunity to recruit and train additional Emirati inspectors.”

The Abu Dhabi-based classification society is also stepping up cooperation with ADNOC L&S. in 2020, the shipping company granted TASNEEF double classification contact for four of its large vessels, including a chemical/oil tanker, a containership, LPG tanker, and bulk carrier. Further ADNOC L&S vessels are expected to be added in 2021, similarly giving TASNEEF the chance to expand the scale of its operations and gain experience and expertise with a wider range of vessel types.

“This is an integral part of our strategy for becoming eligible for admission to IACS in 2030,” says Eng. Altamimi. “The support of ADNOC and Abu Dhabi Ports, which Is also putting additional vessels under TASNEEF class, is greatly appreciated. Together we are collaborating to strengthen the Abu Dhabi maritime cluster.”

Challenging year

TASNEEF experienced a challenging year in 2020, as owners were reluctant to invite surveyors on board to inspect vessels, while IMO allowed automatic extensions to class. Additionally, there were fewer docking projects for commercial and naval ships under TASNEEF class.

Eng. Altamimi says: “The pandemic was very disruptive to our operations, leading to reduced utilisation of our people, difficulties accessing ships, and financial pressures. Nonetheless, we managed without cutting or laying off staff and keeping our workforce intact while maintaining business continuity was a significant achievement in the circumstances.”

Despite the pandemic, TASNEEF did achieve a small increase in the number of ships under its class, the majority of which are smaller naval and commercial ships, in 2020. “We are optimistic about achieving a faster rate of growth in 2021,” adds Eng. Altamimi. “Local owners are being very supportive, and we are in the process if negotiating contact with a number of new and exciting customers which should ensure that the TASNEEF fleet will increase more significantly this year.”