Lloyd's Register, a leading international ship classification society, which has been increasingly focussing on the non-marine sector in India, is scouting for partners in the power sector for safety certification business.

LR is already involved in several power projects in India with a total capacity to produce 30,000 MW. The agency has been involved in providing third-party assurance to most of the Chinese power equipment imported to India.

Mr Richard Sadler, Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd's Register group, said here on Friday that LR is looking at acquisitions and partnership for growth in India.

To double income

He said the group is looking to double its income from India in the next three years. In the non-marine sector, LR expects growth opportunities in sectors such as energy, (including nuclear power), transportation, IT, health and environment.

Revenues

Currently, 70 per cent of the LR's revenues in India comes from non-marine business; the share is expected to grow in the future. Addressing a press conference, Mr Sadler said in the Government sector, LR is the only private agency authorised to inspect power plant boilers. It is also involved in the nuclear sector in terms of inspection and risk analysis. He said LR will increase the number of offices in India from 22 to 30 and double the staff strength from 230 in the next five years.

Classifications

In shipping, 22 per cent of Indian tonnage is classed with Lloyd Register. These are dual classifications with the Indian Register of Shipping.

For new ships on order by Indian ship owners (mainly in Chinese and Korean yards), LR has a 50 pre cent share, said Mr K. Swaminathan, Area General Manager for South West Asia. With the Indian Register of Shipping becoming a member of the International Association of Classification Societies, LR expects that it will have greater scope to jointly work with IRS.

statutory survey

With the Government allowing foreign classification societies to undertake statutory survey of small ships (less than 5,000 grt), LR sees more opportunity in that area. LR also undertakes flag state inspection and survey work on behalf of the Indian Mercantile Marine department

LR are also seeing new business opportunities in private shipyards getting Defence orders to build war ships in India.

To ensure reduction in gas emissions, LR is working on encouraging shipowners to use more of LNG as fuel, Mr Sadler said. The company also proposes to provide anti-piracy training to seafarers.

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