Emirates classification society TASNEEF has classed its first commercial vessel. The 96,214 dwt oil tanker Energena is jointly-classed with Italian classification society RINA. Yesterday His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, attended a ceremony to mark the flag raising and the granting of classication by TASNEEF-RINA.

The vessel is owned by Dubai-based Energena Shipping and managed by Gulf Stolt Ship Management JLT, (GSSM). Built by Samsung in Korea the vessel is currently completing its class surveys carried out by two teams of surveyors deployed by the two classification societies.

Andrea di Bella, Area Manager Middle East, RINA Group, says, “This is a special occasion for TANSEEF and RINA with the classification of the first vessel in dual class. We are achieving a high level of confidence for the co-operation between the two class societies in the demanding classification market of the Gulf region. This is the first achievement of many to come building on the partnership between TASNEEF and RINA launched at the beginning of the year. We expect this to be the first step on a long and successful path together.”

Mr Rashed Alhebsi, CEO of TASNEEF, says, “TASNEEF welcomes Energena as its first commercial oil tanker of this size in our registry. We are happy to celebrate this event with our partners. We committed to our clients to deliver the highest quality standards, building a long relationship to serve our clients in the region. Today we are happy to see the outcome of the choice we made to work together with our strategic partner IACS-member RINA, and we will continue this co-operation further to penetrate the region’s market which show potential opportunities with new exploration and projects in the oil and gas sector.”

Mr Rashid Al Ghurair, CEO Energena Shipping JLT, says,“Energena Shipping, an Emirati organization, is proud to operate under the umbrella of TASNEEF-RINA class. The TASNEEF-RINA class joint venture is a great initiative by the UAE government to support the shipping industry in this region and we are excited that our ship is the first vessel under this class. We thank all for the support presented to us.”

TASNEEF, a new classification society for the United Arab Emirates, was established in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of 2013.   Working in partnership with RINA, the goal is to develop TASNEEF as an international classification society capable of meeting the technical and classification needs of the region’s maritime industry, the UAE flag and international commercial shipping.

Gulf Stolt Ship Management JLT (GSSM) – Dubai, accredited for ISO 9001:2008 & ISO 14001:2004, reputed for cost-effective, qualitative and transparent performance of technical and operations of VLCCs, IMO II Chemical Carriers, large PROBOs, ARAMAX and Crew Boats, has been engaged by ENERGENA SHIPPING JLT – Dubai, to fully manage their vessel M/T ENERGENA.

GSSM established in 2009, is a joint-venture between Gulf Navigation Group (UAE) and Stolt-Nielsen (Norway). It has a proven record for its professional dedication to high standards in management of ships. Mr Aniello Esposito, President of GSSM, attributes their consistent success to the spirit of the GSSM Team which is fully dedicated 24/7.

With a history dating back to 1861, RINA Group is a global provider of classification, certification, testing, inspection and training services to assist clients in a wide range of business sectors such as Marine, Energy, Transport & Infrastructures, Business Assurance, Environment and Innovation. RINA S.p.A. is the Group’s holding company which provides to the operating companies of the Group staff services such as administration and finance, HR, system management and communication, The main activities within the RINA Group are delivered by independent operating companies, having their own governance and organization aimed at complying with the requirements and standards applicable to each service. www.rina.org