Korean Register Launches IHM Service, Wins NSC Deal

NSC Group has signed an agreement with Korean Register (KR) for the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) classification society to provide inventory of hazardous materials (IHM) services across the group’s fleet of container vessels, bulk carriers, conbulkers, car carriers and tankers.

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KR will be working with partners HMI GbR (QSU & exag) and NautilusLog GmbH to deliver the specialist IHM service.

“We are very satisfied that we have found the right partners following an intensive tendering process. We appreciate the value offered by KR, HMI GbR (QSU & exag) and NautilusLog GmbH as they work together as a consortium, to offer a complete comprehensive service package as one team,” Sebastian Völchner, Project Manager NSC, said.

From December 31, 2020, all existing ships sailing under the EU-flag and ships flying the flag of a third country calling at an EU port or anchorage must have on board an IHM verified by the relevant authorities or a recognized organization like KR.

The same rules came into effect for EU-flagged ships on December 31, 2018. The regulation is expected to improve safety, protecting people and property onboard the ship and meeting any mooring requirements.

“We are happy to be working with KR to provide this specialist service in direct response to increasing demand from industry as the entry into force date gets closer. We anticipate that demand will outstrip supply over the next year or so, creating a ‘bottleneck’ simply because there are a limited number of HAZMAT experts and specialist laboratories providing this service,” according to Frank Schneider, Managing Director of HMI GbR (QSU & exag).

“We are proud to support our partners with the best digital tools allowing them to serve more ships in less time and effort,” Otto Klemke, NautilusLog GmbH founder and managing Director, commented.

An IHM report will be linked to the entire lifespan of the vessel, eventually covering the building stage, its operational stage and the recycling stage.