First LR-Class Ship Enters USCG ACP

The 1,399 teu container ship Maersk Alaska, owned by Maersk Line, Limited, has become the first Lloyd’s Register-classed ship to enter the US Coast Guard’s (USCG) Alternate Compliance Program (ACP).

ACP is a voluntary program available through authorized classification societies for owners, operators, designers and builders of US-flag vessels to comply with USCG design and inspection regulations. USCG’s ACP is intended to reduce the regulatory burden on the maritime industry while maintaining existing levels of safety and to provide the maritime industry with more flexibility in determining how to build and operate US-flag vessels.

Lloyd’s Register is one of only two non-US classification societies to have ACP authorization from USCG. Chris Desmond, ACP Co-ordinator for Lloyd’s Register North America, Inc, says: “We worked closely with USCG for many years to achieve ACP authorization, and this is the first US-flag vessel to be enrolled in the program since we received delegation on December 2, 2003. We are delighted to have been able to assist Maersk Line, Limited in making its route to statutory compliance a smoother and more efficient one.” Steve Carmel, Senior Vice-President, Technical Organization for Maersk Line, Limited, says: “Each acceptance into ACP is an acknowledgement that the ship, owner and class society have all met USCG’s highest standards for safety management and vessel maintenance. We are proud that Maersk Alaska passed muster. Maersk Line, Limited and our customers can now benefit from the scheduling flexibility that ACP offers for demonstrating compliance with US flag state requirements.” Alan Gavin, Marine Director of Lloyd’s Register, says: “USCG is one of the most well respected and authoritative port state control authorities in the world, and getting authorization for ACP was a substantial achievement for Lloyd’s Register. We now look forward to providing many more owners with US-flag vessels with increased flexibility in the design, construction and operation of their ships.”