Sovcomflot and Russian Maritime Register of Shipping form strategic partnership

On 4 June 2021, Sovcomflot (SCF Group) and Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) signed a strategic partnership agreement as part of the 24th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The document was signed by Igor Tonkovidov, President and CEO of Sovcomflot, and Konstantin Palnikov, Director General of Russian Maritime Register of Shipping.

The cooperation between SCF and RS is aimed at developing competencies and building competitive advantages related to the technical regulation of the construction and operation of modern energy transportation vessels, with a special focus on efficiency, sustainability and safety.

The agreement facilitates the use of SCF's experience by RS when formulating technical regulations and standards for using new types of marine fuels to reduce emissions from vessels, for providing technical supervision of ice-class cargo vessels when operated in the Arctic seas including the Northern Sea Route, and for developing and using systems of automated and remote control for vessels.

The parties will also increasingly cooperate on technical supervision of the construction of a new generation of cargo vessels for SCF at Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex in Russia. Currently, SCF has 20 vessels ordered at Zvezda, including five LNG-fuelled tankers and 15 Arctic LNG carriers, with deliveries scheduled for 2022-2025. All these vessels will operate under the Russian flag.

Igor Tonkovidov, President and CEO of Sovcomflot:

“We are happy to see the Russian classification society embracing SCF's experience and expertise in introducing marine transportation innovations to develop standardised approaches that will help make shipping more sustainable in line with high international standards, unlock opportunities offered by the Northern Sea Route and overall grow Russia's own shipping competencies.”

Konstantin Palnikov, Director General of Russian Maritime Register of Shipping:

“The synergy of the classification society’s and industry leaders’ combined expertise is essential for the development and implementation of standards that contribute to the efficient and safe operation of marine transport and environmental protection. We express our sincere gratitude to Sovcomflot for their trust and for our ongoing cooperation. I am confident that our productive dialogue will benefit the promotion of technical initiatives and advanced engineering solutions under the up-to-date maritime industry projects.”