Strengthening Norways position at the IMO
For the first time in a decade, the Norwegian International Ship Register signs a brand new cruise ship.
The signing is a result of close dialogue and cooperation between the Director General of Shipping and Navigation, Mr. Olav Akselsen, and the chairman of Viking Cruises, Mr. Torstein Hagen.
“I am proud that Viking Cruises choose Norway as their flag state, and hope it will lead other cruise liners to follow. For years we have put great emphasis on establishing Norway as the preferred Maritime Authority. This has led to improved service and simplified requirements. For cruise ships the biggest improvement may be that applications for certification of maritime personnel now, can be done electronically“, says Akselsen.
Akselsen points out that increased registrations to the NIS will strengthen Norway’s influence internationally, as fleet size matters in forums such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The Norwegian Maritime Authority has established a registration team which guides the costumer through the entire process, and makes sure that all matters are thoroughly dealt with.
“I am pleased to once again have cruise ships registered in Norway. Ships flying the Norwegian flag is important in order to maintain and develop Norway as a maritime nation, says Minister of Trade and Industry, Monica Mæland.“
She adds that the government is aiming to strengthen the Maritime Authority, and increase the number of ships registered in the NIS.
The cruise ship Viking Star, which accommodates 930 guests, is under construction by the Italian ship building yard Fincantieri. It’s expected to be completed by the end of March, and will be signed directly in to the NIS.
Further three sister ships are getting built for Viking Cruises, and all three will be registered in the NIS by delivery. So far, Torstein Hagen and his colleagues are pleased with how the Maritime Authority has dealt with the registration process.
“We have been met by positivity and a will for finding solutions through cooperation“, says Hagen. “This is of importance when choosing flag state“, he adds.
Viking Star is environmentally friendly with energy efficient hybrid machinery, and the hull and bow are optimized for fuel efficiency. She also has solar panels and equipment to minimize emissions.
Viking Star will have Bergen as her home town and as base for the cruise named “Viking Homelands”. The cruise will bring the passengers through eight countries within 15 days. The christening will of course take place in Bergen, on the Norwegian national day of May 17th. All the residents of the city will beinvited to the celebration.
Source and Image Credit: Norwegian Maritime Authority