Dromon Bureau of Shipping (DBS) stands as a modern and dynamic force in the maritime industry, offering a range of services as a Classification Society, Recognized Organization, and accredited Greenhouse Gas 

In an exclusive interview, CEOs Andreas Philippou and Andreas Nicolaou from DBS shed light on the organization's commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of the maritime sector, embracing technology and innovation, celebrating two decades of success, and outlining future plans. The conversation highlights DBS's customer-centric approach, dedication to environmental sustainability, and strategic presence in the Middle East. 

How does Dromon Bureau of Shipping tailor its services to address the evolving needs and challenges of the maritime industry?
Andreas Philippou: Dromon Bureau of Shipping (DBS) is a modern inspection and verification body. Specifically, it functions as a Classification Society, Recognized Organization, and an accredited Greenhouse Gas Emissions Verifier. 

DBS employs the latest digital solutions to deliver services not only to the maritime industry but also to shore-based industries. DBS maintains a Quality Management System certified and accredited by major certification and accreditation bodies in the United Kingdom, Cyprus and Greece. 

Our quality management system is certified against ISO 9001 - Quality Management System, ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management, ISO 17020 – Conformity Assessment – accredited and found competent to perform inspections and classification of ships as a classification society as well as surveys delegated by national Maritime Administrations. As well as, ISO 17029 & 14065 - UK & EU MRV – Verification body under the UK’s & EU’s Monitoring, Reporting and Verification of GHG emissions Regulations and finally ISO 14064 – Verification and validation of GHG statements. 

While it is a fact that the maritime industry has encountered various challenges over the years, DBS as a modern Classification Society, is actively adapting and expanding its services to meet these challenges.  This includes:

1. Regulatory Compliance: Remaining current with implementing the latest international and regional maritime regulations, ensuring compliance of ships and maritime structures under our classification with these standards.

2. Digitalization: DBS allocates significant resources to digitalize its products, ensuring fast and reliable services.  We were pioneer in complying with the IMO requirements by introducing electronic certificates early on.

Our innovative digital solution, Mydromon website facilitates a comprehensive and seamless survey process. Furthermore, tools like CII and EEXI calculators are not only accessible to our clients but are also freely available to public though our website, at no extra cost. 

3. Environmental Concerns: Addressing the industry's shift toward environmental sustainability, DBS was among the first in becoming an accredited verification body for the EU MRV, offering the full spectrum of verification services under the MRV scheme.  
DBS has also obtained accreditation by UKAS to provides services related to the UK MRV Regulation. 

Simultaneously, total 26 Maritime Administrations have authorised DBS to deliver services under the IMO DCS, CII and EEXI schemes. 

4. Training and Education: DBS provides training programs for its surveyors/ inspectors ensuring they remain up to date with the latest regulations. In addition, as part of our clients’ awareness program, we recently launched our first webinar on the topic of the EU ETS / EU MRV schemes. Held on the 10th of January, the webinar experienced high demand with all available slots booked within 24 hours.  

To meet the evolving needs and challenges of the maritime industry, we embrace a proactive approach, continuous innovation, and a commitment to training and educating both Head Office, overseas personnel and clients.

What you can tell us about DBS adaptation to evolving technologies and innovations in the maritime industry?
Andreas Nicolaou: Dromon Bureau of Shipping plays an active role by contributing to and positively assisting in the developing new technologies for the maritime industry.  

In particular, DBS currently participates as a partner in various EU-funded innovation projects with a total value in excess of 16 million euros. Just to mention two of them:

1. ISOLA is a fully EU-funded program that promotes the Innovation & Integration of Security Systems on Board ships.

2. UnderSec is another fully EU-funded program that aims to develop a modular Prototype System, using sensors and robotics, to enhance underwater security awareness and decision-making.
Also, DBS has applied to participate in other innovating programs. 

Recently, Dromon Bureau of Shipping celebrated its 20th anniversary. How do you describe this journey and major milestones?
Andreas Philippou: Our journey is more than just about business success. It began with nothing but a vision, fuelled by passion for our work. 

This 20th anniversary is a moment to acknowledge the hard work, innovation, and dedication of the entire Dromon team. We take this opportunity to express our gratitude to them.  

After 20 years, the results truly amaze us.  We have evolved from a regional, to a truly global Classification Society.  Currently, the DBS consist of 153 surveyors distributed in nearly 50 countries. Also, DBS is approved by total 26 Flag Administrations to conduct various statutory work on their behalf and the services are fully digital. 

At DBS, our aim is to maintain the same dedication and passion for what we do, to continue expanding our services, our geographical coverage, as well as enhancing our digital solutions that ease the process for the benefit of our clients and the society we serve. 

What makes DBS specialized in its services, despite challenges the maritime industry faces?
Andreas Philippou: Dromon Bureau of Shipping has always been a customer-oriented organization, tailoring its services to meet the unique needs of our clients. To achieve this, we invest in our people, continuously training them and enriching their knowledge and experience in maritime engineering, safety & environmental regulations, and industry best practices. 

On the same level, our continuous development empowers us to deliver customer oriented and specialized services related to vessel’s classification, inspection, verification, and certification.

Furthermore, DBS actively incorporates innovation and technology for the benefit of our customers.  

How are you actively promoting and integrating green technologies and sustainability measures into the classification process to support environmentally friendly practices within the maritime industry?
Andreas Nicolaou: DBS has been quite active in this. We use digitalization to provide environmentally friendly solutions to our clients.  In recognition to these efforts DBS has received the Gold Contributor award twice at the Green Awards, and once from the Robban Assafina awards. 

I express my gratitude for this honour. We remain committed to supporting sustainable practices, contributing to the industry’s decarbonization targets.  

What are the plans of DBS within the coming years?
Andreas Philippou: The top management of DBS actively participates in steering the company's course, making crucial decisions, and leading the Company towards its objectives in the maritime industry. 

The CEOs’ direct involvement and commitment are crucial for the development of the company, and in reaching our targets and improving overall performance.

DBS’s vision is to continue assisting the industry in safeguarding life and property at sea, as well as contributing to the decarbonization of the sector. 

We are dedicated to expanding our services, introducing new products, automating our procedures through digitalization, and innovating in the field of inspections and certification using modern solutions such as AI.

How do you evaluate your presence in the Middle East? 
Andreas Nicolaou: Since the establishment, DBS has always had an important presence in the Middle East. In this region, we maintain offices and a great network of surveyors to provide and support our clients from Middle East.  

Our aim is to continue supporting ship owners from this area, enabling us to tackle challenges, achieve common targets, and finally, grow together. As we navigate the ever-evolving maritime landscape, it's imperative that we unite in our commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability. 

Here at Dromon Bureau of Shipping, we remain dedicated to not only elevating industry standards but also prioritizing  environmental awareness and operational excellence.

Closing, we would like to extend our gratitude to Robban Assafina, for giving us the opportunity to share to your readers, the insights but also the vision of Dromon Bureau of Shipping.

Robban Assafina, Issue 89, Jan./ Feb. 2024, Maritime Host, pg. 73

Read Here
	Issue 89 of Robban Assafina (Jan./ Feb. 2024)