Anniversary: DNV’s DATE (Direct Access to Technical Experts) center in Singapore turns 10

Anniversary: DNV’s DATE (Direct Access to Technical Experts) center in Singapore turns 10

(PRESS RELEASE) BÆRUM, 2-Dec-2022 — /EuropaWire/ — DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, has announced that its DATE (Direct Access to Technical Experts) center in Singapore is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Launched 10 years ago on 3 December 2012 the helpdesk was the first center to operate outside DNV’s headquarters in Norway.

As part of a network of 200 technical classification experts in Høvik, Hamburg, Piraeus, and Houston, the seven-person DATE team in Singapore handles approximately 450 inquiries from ship operators and carries out 225 remote surveys each month. Since all DATE experts work on a common platform, the Singapore centre also takes care of cases from other time zones, for example from the US after the office in Houston has closed. A total of 65,000 DATE cases were logged worldwide in 2021, averaging about 180 per day.

The helpdesk includes disciplines such as class systematics, hull, machinery, MARPOL, and SOLAS. While shipboard emergencies such as fire, damage or accidents at sea are referred to another DNV service line, DATE experts support ship operators with repair evaluations, questions on survey requirements or rule interpretations. They are also authorized to issue class certificates, close PSC findings to prevent vessel detention, and conduct remote surveys.

“Our role as the world’s leading classification society is to help customers navigate the complex rules and regulations designed to keep shipping safe and efficient,” said Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Regional Manager South East Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime at DNV. “Direct access to technical experts whenever and wherever needed has been an essential service, especially during the pandemic, which has put additional strains on ship operations”, she added.

”The regulatory landscape, both global and local, has become increasingly complex in recent years. Our technical experts are ready to provide quick explanations and authoritative answers to ship operators, who are often under enormous time pressure,” said Sanjiv Mishra, Head of Section at DNV, who runs the Singapore-based DATE centre.

DNV customers can contact DATE either by sending a simple email to date@dnv.com or by registering questions on the DNV Veracity portal. In addition, the helpdesk is available via a mobile application for iOS and Android.

To ensure the fastest possible response, DATE also uses machine learning (ML) technology. The ML algorithm identifies the question’s type and urgency, and cases are routed to the right experts accordingly. For less complex queries, FAQ management based on machine learning (DATE Digital Assistance) helps customers get immediate answers.

Media contact:

Nikos Späth
Head of Communications Asia Pacific, Maritime
Nikos.Spaeth@dnv.com
Phone: +65 6508 3960

SOURCE: DNV AS