‘The cost of insuring our ships is now far lower than before we started to focus on quality,’ says Capt. H. E. Liaw, general manager of the Ship Management Department of OOCL. ‘We are now a preferred transporter in a market we previously did not have access to.

OOCL started systematic work to improve the safety of its fleet and crews in 1993. Prior to that, various methods had been used on different ships. OOCL achieved positive results almost immediately, with a decrease of 92.5% in days lost in 1993 when compared to 1992. Other factors indicate the same trend.

The IMSRS has been a useful tool for improving our safety and routines on board, explains Liaw. The reduced insurance costs - for the hull and machinery, for example show that weve succeeded. Theyre now only a fraction of what they were in 1993.

It has also helped boost our services. The transport of fruit and vegetables to the U.S.A., for example, is subject to severe restrictions. The United States Department of Agriculture requires very high quality standards. On the other hand, for shippers our service can meet their requirements. This market used to be dominated by another carrier. Our focus on the IMSRS has resulted in improved quality for our services. This is the most important reason for us now being able to carry this unique type of cargo.

Assessing the benefits
OOCL is very aware of the need to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using the IMSRS. When the company first started to use the tool and focus on safety throughout its fleet, the immediate results were striking. Now there is a need to think again.

We are in the process of reviewing the costs and benefits of bringing our ships to the highest level of IMSRS, says Capt. Liaw. There are of course benefits to us, but at the same time we have to be aware of the cost elements. For example, at level ten, we have to include off-the-job safety activities, which will bring about a need for additional manpower. Nevertheless, I know that among our 20 ships, they are competing internally with each other and that will definitely bring our standards to new heights.

But even though OOCL has achieved good results, being a pioneer in developing the IMSRS has been a strain. Too much paperwork, too much studying and training and too much reporting, is Liaws complaint. We suffer growing pains. However, I do feel confident that DNV, which has developed the tool, will also improve it. My most important suggestion regarding the next version is that there should be less reporting.