First Japanese-Flagged Vessel Classed by ABS

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) announced that its ABS-classed VLCC “YAMATOGAWA” has become a pioneer in worldwide shipping as the first ABS-classed Japanese-flagged vessel.

“YAMATOWAGA” has been engaged in the transportation of crude oil to Japan since her initial delivery in December 2006, but previously flying a foreign flag.

““K” Line has been pursuing a change in the flag of “YAMATOGAWA” from foreign to Japanese, working together with the government of Japan (Maritime Bureau of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)), ABS, and other concerned parties, in order to meet our own corporate strategy to increase Japanese-flagged vessels owned or operated by us, which is compliant with our government’s political agenda for the deliberate increase of Japanese-flagged vessels,” the company said.

The flagging back of “YAMATOGAWA” has been achieved and enabled by ABS’s authorization and registration as a Recognized Organization by MLIT on December 21, 2012, to provide statutory certification services to Japanese-flagged vessels.

“YAMATOGAWA” is the first Japanese-flagged vessel classed by ABS, and the first Japanese-flagged vessel among the vessels classed to all foreign classification societies granted authorization by MLIT to serve as a Recognized Organization.

[mappress]
Press Release, August 26, 2014