The shipping industry is under the spotlight again. When the stricken tanker Prestige sank off the coast of Spain, the world was threatened with another major pollution disaster.

The dimension of the incident triggered extensive media coverage and caused the entire shipping world to once again search for improvement in all the many issues related to safe transportation at sea.

Tore Høifødt, head of DNV Corporate Communications, comments: The Prestige is yet another reminder that todays traders, whose cargoes may be perishable, fragile or dangerous, must ensure that their wares reach the market inexpensively, on schedule and with the minimum of risk. Whether by road, rail, sea or air, safe and reliable transport is essential for a companys survival.

Det Norske Veritas, from its foundation, has worked closely with the transport industry traditionally the shipping segment. But in recent years, DNV has broadened its involvement into road and rail, aviation and transport infrastructure, and provides experience and knowledge that support their business goals and reputation.

Says Høifødt, Our competence in management systems, work-process analysis, risk and reliability studies and general transport safety provides the entire transport industry with risk-management solutions that improve its competitiveness and ensure its operations are efficient, safe and reliable.

The articles in this issue of DNV Forum will provide you with a valuable overview of the broad range of services DNV has to offer throughout the transportation industry. Risk management is their common theme from building Ferrari supercars in Modena to operating a world-leading tanker fleet like that of the Teekay group.

Safety and reliability are vital for any successful business in the transport industry, concludes Høifødt. Incidents like the loss of the Prestige, fortunately, are few. It is our determination to help eliminate them.