An oil tanker “Energena’ managed by Gulf Stolt Ship Management and currently undergoing maintenance at Drydocks World, has become the first commercial vessel to sail under the UAE flag.

The commercial ship classification in the UAE was granted by Tasneef (Emirates Authority for Classification) besides the certificate rating marked ‘UAE’ for a merchant ship for the first time.

Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority attended the first UAE flag-raising ceremony on a merchant ship.

Tasneef was established in 2012 as the First Classification Society in United Arab Emirates, the GCC region and Arab world.  

Drydocks World and Tasneef had signed a MoU for a landmark partnership this August. Under the MoU, Tasneef will have access to Classification and other statutory activities on repair, new build and conversion projects at the yard.

The services provided by the Society will include technical activities including surveys, inspection & testing of material, machinery, components and equipments onboard vessels.

Tasneef said it has now started providing classification services to merchant vessels that use the country's maritime facilities.

This service will allow ship owners to obtain national vessel classification which will allow vessels to sail under the UAE flag and to increase the registered tonnage of the country.

Khamis Juma Buamim, the chairman of Drydocks World & Maritime World, expressed delight at the accomplishment and the co-operation with Tasneef for this ‘region’s first’ intitiative.

"A void has now been filled with Tasneef stepping in and this will contribute greatly towards the development of the shipping industry in the region. While initial operations will focus on regional markets, there is more than ample scope for services to be provided internationally," he added.

Tasneef chief executive Rashed Al Hebsi said: "Today we celebrate the entry of the first commercial oil tanker in the registry of Tasneef, and are always looking for such strategic partnerships with Drydocks World and the Italian classification society RINA, to serve, various marine sectors locally and regionally."

According to him, Tasneef offers a wide range of certification services including ship classification, statutory services, certification of materials and components, maritime and naval advisory, and training.

"There are great opportunities and investments in the region, and we are determined to fulfill the demands in the highest standards and professionalism and our contribution to maritime safety and environment, reducing marine incidents, and focusing in building qualified national capacity to fill the gap technically and technology," he added.

Tasneef is a member of the Dubai Council for Marine & Maritime Industries which is the umbrella body promoting the interests of this industry sector.-TradeArabia News Service