DNV concluded in April that the MSC Napoli design is not an industry problem.

“Our best resources – both people and cutting-edge computer tools – were put on the job from day one. We’ve left no stone unturned and I’m convinced that this accident and the investigation following it have made the shipping industry even safer,” said Olav Nortun, DNV Maritime’s technical director, at the press conference in London.

Following an extensive investigation into the MSC Napoli accident in January 2007, DNV’s conclusion was clear: The accident’s cause is not a general problem for the container shipping industry at large. However, minor structural modifications have to be made to a very restricted number of the existing container ship fleet.

DNV concluded that the buckling strength in the forward part of the MSC Napoli’s engine room was insufficient. In addition, the newbuilding rules and procedures are being looked at, and DNV has invited all members of the International Association of Class Societies (IACS) to cooperate on a unified approach to dealing with the newbuilding rules.

Date: 11 June 2008