GL to Participate in USCG's ACP
Germanischer Lloyd has been authorized to participate in the U.S. Coast Guard's (USCG) Alternate Compliance Program (ACP). In a formal event at the USCG headquarters in Washington, representatives from both sides celebrated the agreement signing on Friday. Now, U.S. shipowners can choose Germanischer Lloyd as their recognized organization, acting on behalf of USCG, and thus, profit from its longtime expertise in the maritime industry. GL is one of only three non-American classification societies to have ACP authorization from USCG.The approval marks the result of a lengthy and intensive cooperation: As an authorized classification society (ACS), Germanischer Lloyd has already carried out numerous statutory functions on behalf of USCG since 1992. Earlier ACS Agreements were signed in 2001 and 2003, comprising International Load Line Certificate, International Tonnage Certificate, MARPOL 73/78 Annex I, International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate and International Safety Management Certificate. During the admission process, Germanischer Lloyd was supported by the German ministry of transport. Now, as ACP recognized organization, U.S. shipowners may choose Germanischer Lloyd to carry out statutory plan approval, survey and certification. The ACP is a voluntary alternate process for a U.S. registered vessel to obtain a Coast Guard Certificate of inspection by complying with the standards of a delegated classification society, including its ACP Supplement and International Conventions.