© ESA
by societies that do not meet the standards such as those of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). We have heard some terrible stories already. However, a proposal has been submitted to the IMO for the introduction of a new code for classification societies, built on the model used in the EU,” he says.
Galileo – operational from 2013 The Galileo satellite navigation system, the European counterpart to the US Global Positioning System (GPS), has been developed using the utmost of technology.
ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATIONS
He has one more challenge for the classification societies as well; environmental emissions and climate change are on everybody’s agenda these days, and Mr Karamitsos is no exception. Although shipping is by far the most environmentally friendly mean of transportation, even this industry will have to accept its responsibilities and come up with smart solutions. “The classification societies, with their technological expertise, are in a perfect position to take the lead. Together with the industry, you can bring forward innovative and workable solutions that will benefit all of us,” he concludes.
DNV Forum no 02 2008
Director Fotis Karamitsos of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy and Transport is also responsible for Galileo, which will be under civil administration control (the GPS is under military command). “The Galileo satellite radio navigation system will become an integral part of the everyday life of Europeans and, we hope, for the rest of the world. The system will be used in mobile phones, air traffic management, car and maritime navigation, public services, safety and environmental management, and many other applications such as for ‘Search and Rescue’ with the specific telecommunications capacity that it will incorporate ,” he says. The 30 Galileo satellites will provide global coverage and cost about Euro 3.2 billion to deploy. It will be 100% financed and owned by the EU. However, it has been estimated that the total commercial benefits of the system for European companies over a 20-year period to be about Euro 60 billion. During this period, Galileo will enable a broad range of everyday applications and, by some estimates, create more than 25,000 new jobs. DNV has been involved in several projects relating to Galileo, such as the design of the Galileo System Certification Scheme.