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DNV, the country's largest risk-management company, is also a global leader in this specialized field. The company not only covers the shipping industry, but also onshore and offshore drilling operations - following Norway's extensive experience in oil and gas exploration. The dedication to safety and quality that is crucial to these industries has been extended by DNV to its certification, risk-management and environmental management services in over 40 countries worldwide. With over 135 years of experience in the maritime industry, it should come as no surprise that DNV is a leader within the classification society. Maritime classification holds the largest market share for DNV with approximately 15.3 percent of the world fleet under their rules and this number is increasing from year to year. DNV is also heavily involved in the shipbuilding industry in Japan where currently 40 vessels are being constructed by DNV rules. Helge Midttun, CEO of DNV, sees the value in their operations with Japan: "We are ensuring that these 40 ships are built according to our strength stability safety requirements. We have inspectors there throughout the whole building process so we are monitoring the construction step by step. It is a quality check all the way through the building phase," he said. Det Norske Veritas is the third-largest company in the world offering personnel, product and service certification to a broad range of industries on a global level. There has been significant growth in this area over the past several years due to the new version of ISO 9000. DNV has seen a 25 percent increase in the number of certificates being issued since last year and DNV's share of the world market for ISO 9000 certificates is close to 7 percent. How does the end-user benefit from these certifications? Why should a stamp of approval from DNV mean something to a customer? "This stamp is important because it is a reflection of a quality owner, and quality products both of which are being certified by a quality company," Midttun replied. Both DNV and the company being certified have the end-user in mind. But what's most important to the certified company is this "stamp of approval" gives them the credibility to market themselves on a global level. "Both in shipping and certification, it is a ticket to trade internationally," he pointed out. Change is the only constant in today's business world. Companies and industries are reacting to the needs of customers and customers are reacting to the needs of end-users. A company seeking a proactive partner can look to DNV to offer suggestions, solutions, know-how and expertise in their market. Tore Hoifodt, DNV's senior vice president knows that companies need to add value in addition to classification rules and certification processes in order to remain a valuable asset to their customers. "It is no longer acceptable as a third party to say "This is wrong, you can't do this." That is the traditional way of doing classification, but now you have offer options. For instance we say, "You probably should do it this way," "Here is a way you can do it," "Here is an area of opportunity you should explore." The role is to be more proactive and supportive and add value rather than pinpointing what is wrong without suggesting a way to make it right," Hoifodt said. DNV has seen their customers' needs grow through the years and have tailored their services to better position themselves as an integral component. Classification, certification and consultancy services are offered by a wide range of companies worldwide. As these areas become standard practices, it has become increasingly important for DNV to differentiate themselves from their competition. In order to do this, DNV relies on the assets it can offer its customers which go beyond products and focus on more service-oriented operation. According to Midttun, what sets DNV apart from its competition is its people. "I want customers to choose us because we are service-minded. We have good competent people and we have a uniform way of meeting our customer's needs on a global basis. We are trying to be innovative with respect to what is happening in the market and are focusing on value-added services in terms of our consultancy services. In the class society, you compete more and more on the service level and less on the rules. Our role is to be more proactive and supportive and really add value rather than just pinpoint what is wrong," he said. DNV's most valuable assets, knowledge and competence, put them in the perfect position to accommodate the changing needs of their clients and grow as their customers grow. Knowledge is power, and power cannot be obtained without competent people. That is what Det Norske Veritas believes. Fortunately for them, they have the people that will continue to drive DNV to become one of the world leaders in the classification, consulting and certification business. Midttunn believes Det Norske Veritas offers just the assets their customers need. "We offer the human touch to the customer by understanding their needs and building upon these needs. We are something other than just the auditor. We are woven into their business, and we want to support their company," he commented.
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