Representatives from the Association of Asian Classification Societies, including Biro Klasfikasi Indonesia, China Classification Society, Indian Register of Shipping, Korean Register, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, Ships Classification Malaysia and VR. — Photo VR

HA NOI The importance of maritime safety and environmental protection in Asia was highlighted at the 27th Annual Executive Committee meeting (EC27) in Phu Quoc, the southern province of Kien Giang on Wednesday.

The two-day event, hosted by Vietnam Register (VR), gathers representatives from the Association of Asian Classification Societies (ACS), including Biro Klasfikasi Indonesia, China Classification Society, Indian Register of Shipping, Korean Register, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, Ships Classification Malaysia and VR.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, General Director of VR Tran Ky Hinh, who chaired the meeting, said the strategic directions of ACS are to pursue improvement of ACS members’ performance and their technical contributions to the international maritime community.

“It’s necessary to strengthen interactions and cooperation with Asian shipping and shipbuilding industry in this region to promote regional maritime safety and environmental protection,” Hinh said.

ACS this year has strengthened the monitoring work of safety and the environment related to the International Maritime Organisation’s conventions, and developed various technical guidelines for effective implementation of the international regulations, which have been uploaded to the ACS website for the benefit of ship owners and shipbuilders.

ACS members have elected BKI as Chair Society of ACS for the year 2020. — VNS