During a ceremony held today in Tokyo, Lloyd’s Register (LR) was confirmed as the first foreign classification society to be formally authorised by the Japanese government to carry out surveys on ships flying the Japanese flag.
LR has been designated as a Recognised Organisation by the Japanese government and is granted delegated responsibility for statutory surveys and permission to issue statutory certificates. Prior to the authorisation, only ClassNK, the domestic classification society and fellow IACS member, has held such recognition.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place at the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Mr Ono, the Director-General of the Maritime Bureau of MLIT presented the official certificate of registration to Chris Walters, LR’s Marine Operations Director.
Comprehensive Review
Recognition comes at the end of a comprehensive review of LR’s organisation and operations by the Japanese government and takes place against a background of a government-planned expansion of the Japanese fleet over the next five years. It also marks 125 years serving Japanese shipping in the organisation’s 250 year existence.
Change of Policy
The process required a formal change of policy by the Japanese government, to ensure LR could receive formal recognition. An extensive process of ‘due diligence’ followed, which included a series of audits of LR’s offices in Japan and its London Office to ensure compliance with the government’s criteria for acceptance.
Picture: Left : Mr. Yoshikiyo Ono, Director-General, Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and right: Mr. Chris Walters, Marine Operations Director, Lloyd’s Register
