ClassNK Tanker Expert Appointed Chairman of Tanker Structure Co-operative Forum

11 December, 2013 – The Tanker Structure Co-operative Forum (TSCF) has elected Hayato Suga as its next Chairman at a recent Steering Committee Meeting. Hayato Suga is the General Manager of ClassNK’s Natural Resources and Energy Department and one of ClassNK’s foremost experts on tanker vessels.

The TSCF was established in 1983 to allow members to share their collective experience in order to improve tanker structural safety. The TSCF’s membership includes representatives from major national and international oil companies, shipowners and classification societies. In addition to publishing technical guidelines to improve tanker safety, the TSCF also holds conferences and meetings such as the TSCF Shipbuilders Meeting, which serves as an important forum for the maritime community to share technical knowledge and information related to tanker safety.

ClassNK has been an active member of the TSCF for many years, with both Chairman and President Noboru Ueda and Executive Vice President Yasushi Nakamura having served on its committees and work groups. ClassNK also hosted the TSCF Shipbuilders Meetings in Tokyo in 2000 and 2010.

Commenting on his election, Mr Suga said: “It is a great honor to be elected the next Chairman of the Tanker Structure Co-operative Forum. ClassNK has been an active member of the TSCF for over 20 years, and I hope to bring the same level of dedication to tanker safety over my two year tenure.”