The UAE’s Maritime Administration at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) signed on Monday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Croatian Register of Shipping (CRS) recognising and permitting the latter to issue maritime statutory certificates and carry out all necessary survey works to ensure the eligibility of ships to sail safely.
Under the agreement, all classification societies under the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) will be accredited by the UAE.
Enhanced control
“By recognising the Croatian Register of Shipping, we continue our cooperation with major international classification societies accredited by the International Association of Classification Societies. This will enable the UAE’s maritime sector, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, to enhance its control over the seaworthiness of national ships,” Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Regulations at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Sheikh Nasser Al Qasimi said, stressing that the agreement “makes the UAE one of the few maritime hubs across the globe where shipowners are able to choose classification certifications that suit their operational requirements and insurance needs, as well as the regions in which their ships operate.”
Innovative standards
Sheikh Nasser Al Qasimi further noted that owners and operators “may need to deal with specific classification societies that are preferred in those regions,” highlighting that “the Croatian Register of Shipping is one of the most prominent classification societies in the world with a history of over 200 years. With its presence in the UAE, we will enhance the technical capabilities of the maritime classification sector, and increase the adoption of new and innovative standards for building and maintaining ships, as well as maritime facilities.”
Extended offering
CRS is one of the oldest classification societies in the maritime sector, dating back to the 19th century when the Austrian Veritas was founded in 1858, which later changed its name to the Adriatic Veritas.
The Yugoslav Register of Shipping was founded in 1949, when Croatia separated from Yugoslavia in 1992, the classification society became the Croatian Register of Shipping.
The society is also a member of IACS, which includes the world’s leading classification societies.
In addition to providing classification and certification services, CRS is known for its research and development efforts, and for innovating new technologies and products in various areas of the industry.
