|
The UK-flag container shipping company Hatsu Marine Ltd, which is a member of Taiwan's Evergreen Group, has been awarded its ISO 14000/EMS certificate by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) at a presentation in Hatsu's London headquarters on 5 April. Reflecting the fact that this was the first ISO 14000 certification audit to be completed by the MCA, the organisation's Chief Executive, Captain Stephen Bligh, made the presentation in person to Hatsu's President, Jason Lin.
| "Hatsu Marine Ltd was awarded its ISO 14000/EMS certificate by the
UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) at a presentation in Hatsu's London
headquarters on 5 April. The MCA's Chief Executive, Captain Stephen Bligh,
(right) made the presentation to Hatsu's President, Jason Lin (left)." |
Captain Bligh explained that the MCA QA unit had
been working closely with Hatsu over the last year:
| |
"We held two audits in Hatsu's offices in London and also audits on three of Hatsu's ships, Hatsu Eagle, Hatsu Excel and Hatsu Prima, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. There was a general inspection of the three vessels and they were also checked to ensure that they were environmentally sound. Staff from the MCA QA unit also visited the Evergreen Training Centre in Taoyuan, Taiwan to look at its training systems.
"The MCA QA unit has been formed to meet the demands of organisations that wish to minimise the disruption to their fleet due to audits and inspections. It focuses on ISM and ISO quality (ISO 9000) and environmental (ISO 14000) management systems. The unit is able to complete audits and certify to all three standards, resulting in a saving in the cost of implementing such systems."
|
Accepting the award, Jason Lin said why he felt
that this achievement was so important:
| |
"Many companies
claim to be conducting their business in an environmentally
acceptable way but it has become increasingly important to
provide proof of this. Achieving ISO 14000 certification is
an excellent way of demonstrating that your organisation is
controlling the environmental impact of its business activities
and operations and is an indicator reflecting the level of
social responsibility the company possesses towards the local
and international community.
"Hatsu also believes that ISO 14000 accreditation
will enhance the company's reputation by showing the public
and the market that it is willing to make the first step towards
environmental awareness and is fully prepared to take the
lead." |
Mr Lin believes that ISO 14000 accreditation will become increasingly important when dealing with Hatsu customers:
| |
"They are
also dedicated to reducing the impact of their operations
on the environment and sooner or later, this will affect their
choice of carrier. If they are ISO 14000 approved, they will
seek suppliers with similar certification.
"Our ISO 14000 certification also ensures
that customers are aware of the level of professionalism to
which Hatsu aspires and that this professionalism exists throughout
our company structure." |
Other benefits of ISO 14000 accreditation
According to Hatsu, ISO 14000 accreditation reduces the risk of environmental incidents which may bring with them pollution and significant legal and recovery costs. It also demonstrates to regulatory authorities that the company is proactive in reducing pollution risks and is committed to upgrading its systems on a continuous basis. This should also reduce the likelihood of delays due to port inspections, as companies holding this accreditation are less likely to be targeted for environmental inspections.
The ISO 14000 standard also forms the framework
for onboard procedures. This Environmental Management System will
ensure the Master is aware of his environmental obligations and is
equipped to manage them.
|
