Solships - Solstad Offshore ASA Christmas edition 2016 | Page 26

The rules for ships registered in the Norwegian International Ship Register ( NIS ) were changed in 2015 , heralding many shipowners that new ships would be flagged to Norway . Solstad was one of the first companies that followed up on these promises and throughout 2016 a total 9 of the company ’ s ships changed flag to NIS .
The change in regulations , are part of the maritime strategy that has previously been notified by the Norwegian authorities , the objective has been to create a foundation that provides competitive conditions for Norwegian shipping companies .
In practice this means that the difference in cost between having Norwegian or international crew has been less on NIS-flagged construction vessels . It will not only have consequences for Norwegian jobs , but also the company ’ s training program . For Solstad as a Norwegian company , the change in regulations therefore have been positive to retain Norwegian seamen and Norwegian expertise . Of the 12 positions that must be filled with Norwegian / EEA citizens 4 positions must be defined as training positions . Overall 12 of Solstad ´ s construction vessels ( plus newbuilding Maximus ) are covered by the new net wage scheme in NIS .
Safer workplaces for Norwegian sailors , was a positive case until the beginning of the summer , says Solstad ´ s HR Director Per Stange . But eventually also construction vessels became more influenced by the slows in the market , and some were taken out of operations . There are thus several factors that have made it difficult for shipowners to follow up on the regulations for construction vessels in NIS . This goes for everything from requirements including certificates of training positions to questions about staffing when construction vessel are in lay up , explains Stange . On behalf of the company , he has therefore worked for greater flexibility in the rules for continuing to use the system and comply with the intentions . He further adds that the company in that regard has had a close and constructive dialogue with the Norwegian Maritime Directorate and the Norwegian Shipowner ´ s Association .
This is confirmed by the Director General Olav Akselsen , who says that the Norwegian Maritime Directorate ( NMD ) is continuously listening to the industry ’ s needs and evaluate these against the regulatory framework and intentions . We are aware of the challenges offshore shipping companies now face , explains Akselsen , and stresses that NMD is teaming up with shipping companies to find good solutions . This shall obviously not compromise on safety and quality , he emphasizes , but is intended as solutions in transitional periods between regular operations and lay up of ships .
So far this year , 92 ships have been flagged in to NIS , and we assume that about 32 of these ships are directly related to the reorganization of the rules of which NIS vessels can operate , says Akselsen . We have seen a significant increase in the activities of the Norwegian maritime sector as a result of the new rules for NIS flag , he says .
26 SOLSHIPS – DECEMBER 2016