WILLEMSTAD – Over the last month, Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance has visited two yards and one sister company from Damen Shiprepair & Conversion’s (DSC) global network to audit their management systems.

The results of the auditing processes have been successful: firstly, in the Netherlands, Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam and Niron Staal received ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and OHSAS 18001:2007 certifications. And secondly, in the Caribbean Sea, Damen Shiprepair Curaçao gained ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certification.

Lloyd’s Register visited the two Amsterdam-based companies in mid-October to complete a comprehensive assessment of management systems. The audit results showed that the management systems of both companies complied with the required standards, thus bringing them in line with the updated ISO:2015 norms.

Furthermore, the audit demonstrated that the two companies use the same management and information processes to include stakeholders at different levels. Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam and Niron Staal now have an entirely integrated SHEQS management system.

A first for Damen

“This certification is the result of a team effort here at Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam and Niron Staal; and we are justly proud of the outcome, which is a recognition of our management systems as well as positive feedback concerning our quality, skills, insight and learning abilities,” says HSEQ Manager Harco Groen.

“The fact that it covers two separate companies – which is, in fact, a first for Damen Shipyards Group – is a confirmation of the synergetic relationship between Damen Shiprepair and Niron Staal. This is something that our clients will really be able to benefit from.”

Continual improvement

The audit at Damen Shiprepair Curacao took place at the beginning of November; the scope of which comprised the quality and environmental management system concerning the provision of consistent services to customers, relevant laws and regulations in addition to Damen’s own HSE standards.

“This transition audit dealt not only with our management system for quality and environment, but it also showed that any subcontractor work, as well as suppliers, carried out on behalf of the yard is incorporated within the scope of our management system,” states Olivier Boot, Manager HSEQ at Damen Shiprepair Curacao.

“This broad scope of compliance with the new ISO standards shows that we maintain and, where possible, improve customer satisfaction by continually improving the quality of the services.”

General statement

Talking about the relevance of the certifications to ship owners and operators, DSC Quality and Process Manager Coenraad Tool adds: “We operate a worldwide network of 16 repair yards. Therefore it is of absolute importance our clients receive the same attention to quality and service whatever yard they dock at. After all, our aim is to unburden the client wherever necessary,” he says.

“And while we strive for standardisation, which can bring substantial benefits to our clients, we still have the flexibility required to meet the demands of the repair, refit and conversion market,” he continues. “Joint efforts by HSEQ representatives of all DSC companies, which commenced during the spring of 2016, have made these successful transitions possible.”

Bron: CuracaoChronicle