Emirates Classification Society (Tasneef) has signed an agreement with Lockheed Martin to issue classification certificates and conduct inspection for a design of new naval vessel  manufactured by the aerospace and technology company.

Rashed AlHebsi, CEO of Tasneef said: “In accordance with this agreement, our role is represented in conducting an inspection of the design presented by Lockheed Martin to manufacture a military vessel and make sure it complies with our specifications and standards as well as those set by international conventions in the field of shipbuilding; this design presented by Lockheed Martin is considered one of the latest designs developed by one of the largest military manufactures in the US.”

“Lockheed’s selection of Tasneef is considered a recognition of our level of competence and expertise in the issuance of classification certificates and conducting inspections for the naval designs produced by one of the largest naval ship building companies in the world. This agreement places us at the level of other maritime classification societies that despite being in the market far longer than we have, some of which are still unable to provide these advanced technical services,” he added.

Capt Waleed AlNahdi, marketing and commercial director at Tasneef explained that in accordance with the agreement Lockheed Martin will receive two types of certificates, the first is classification and specifications inspection certificates, and the second is the finalized certificate that confirms that the new design complies with the specifications and international conventions in maritime ship-building.

Tasneef has already started the inspection and assessment process on the design, which will take up to six months, after which Lockheed Martin will review its design taking into consideration the remarks and recommendations presented by the inspection and the engineering team at Tasneef.

This new designed vessel that is being currently  classified by Tasneef is considered a new addition to the military vessels collection developed by Lockheed Martin, the most important of which are multi-purpose vessels that outweigh their other offshore combat vessels when it comes to their features, and capabilities, not to mention being larger than their counterparts. The company is also manufacturing surface multi-task combat vessels with operational advantages that include the strongest existing combat systems currently in service.

AlNahdi added: “Upon completion of this mission and modifying the design by Lockheed Martin in accordance with our observations, the company will promote and market the new naval vessel as an added value offered by them and classified by Tasneef. That features us features us as a quality label that enhances the competitiveness of the ships certified by us upon entry to the Gulf and Arab world market.” – TradeArabia News Service