APL vessels are worlds first to be accredited by Lloyds Register Hull Assessment Scheme

SINGAPORE — APL has become the first container shipping company in the world to achieve Lloyds Register Hull Assessment Scheme (HAS) certification, the industrys highest standard for vessel hull structure maintenance.

APL worked closely with leading classification society Lloyd’s Register to develop this new process, which is an extension of Lloyds Registers existing Hull Renovation Scheme and will help to raise the bar on hull maintenance and reduce the environmental impact of older vessels.

To date, two of APLs 15-year-old 3,821 TEU A-class vessels APL Alexandrite and APL Almandine have undergone the highly stringent HAS verification process. A third ship APL Amazonite is currently undergoing the same assessment scheme.

The Hull Renovation Scheme is a comprehensive hull assessment, renovation and certification service that helps owners and operators to enhance the condition of their ships hulls, making them comparable to ships of a lesser age, says Brian Henry, Global Manager, Ship Inspection and Assessment Services, Lloyds Register.

The HAS verification process involves a similar program of assessment and renovation, but the process will be repeated every two-and-a-half years, making it even more rigorous. Our assessment of APLs two vessels concluded that their hull structure continues to be similar to that of a typical five-year-old vessel, added Henry.

The HAS scheme is suitable for commercial vessels of all types and sizes whatever their age. If a vessel fails to meet the required standard, the scheme identifies potential deterioration areas and ensures that they are addressed. This can help to reduce the likelihood of safety issues and protect the ocean environment from pollutants.

The average age of APL container ships is nine years, with every vessel certified to the latest ISM (International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention) standards. However, according to Goh Teik Poh, APLs Senior Vice President for Global Operations & Network, it is essential for APL to continue pushing for more rigorous maintenance standards.

APL invests significantly in the maintenance of our vessels to ensure we reach destinations around the world efficiently and safely without damaging the ocean environment. Through the HAS program, we hope that the entire industry will increase standards for hull maintenance.