USA: CESS Discusses Issues Related to Global Shipbuilding Industry

CESS, Committee for Expertise of Shipbuilding Specifics (CESS) held its annual meeting in Anaheim, California, USA on 23rd August, 2012 where the members associations Japan, Europe, China, Korea and U.S.A. gathered and discussed key issues surrounding the global shipbuilding industry.

The meeting was hosted by USA. The meeting made the review on its activities in the past year and activities expected in the year ahead, and exchanged views to seek further cooperation in voicing common opinion on important issues.

The meeting observed that CESS continued to appeal to the counterparts of the maritime industry of the importance to share views on important matters to find practical solutions in harmony with each other particularly with effective results of cooperation increasingly achieved by CESS member associations.

The subjects of discussion encompassed the important ongoing issues, where particular attention was directed to the issue on reduction of GHG emissions, where the CESS members continue to contribute to the effective implementation of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) among the stake holders which is essential in seeking practical and effective solutions for new building ships working closely with the shipowners and class to enable the scheme to function smoothly.

Further issues discussed covers other environmentally related issues in the shipbuilding industry such as the ballast water treatment systems, as well as protection of intellectual property rights in striking balance with the safety or environmental regulatory requirements.

The report on Port State Control activities both in Paris and Tokyo MOU during 2011 were made, and it was noted that both regions were steadily carrying out their activities as in the previous years. The report confirms the observations made in the past years that shipbuilding quality related deficiencies are continuing to be representing a minor share of the deficiencies, but it has been seen that there was an increase in ships detention which underlines the need for carrying out proper repair and maintenance timely, particularly so in the difficult times for obtaining employment of the ships.

CESS member associations noted that closer ties among the members is becoming more and more important for the future prosperity of the industry, and in the year ahead, further activate and effective

promotion of solutions in the desired direction would be essential, and agreed to support the continuation of the activities and to make report of the results of this meeting to JECKU Top Executive Meeting scheduled to take place in San Diego between 17th and 19th October 2012.

[mappress]

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, September 12, 2012; Image: meyerwerft