September 11, 2003

Security first for Star Cruises
Star Cruises has become the first cruise ship operator worldwide to receive an International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) under the requirements of the International Ships & Ports Security (ISPS) Code. The certificate was issued to the Bahamian flagged ship SuperStar Aries, a 37,301 GRT passenger ship in DNV Class. DNV has full authorization from Bahamas to act as a Recognised Security Organization (RSO) which enables DNV to issue ISSC certificates on behalf of the Bahamas.

DNV's security manager for Asia Pacific Craig Hughes said: "The certificate confirms that the vessel has developed and implemented a ship security plan in accordance with the ISPS Code, which stipulates that all vessels trading internationally must carry a valid ISPS certificate from July 1, 2004"

Chong Chee Tut, chief operating officer of Star Cruises commented: "The issuance of this certificate to SuperStar Aries is a first for any cruise ship company in the world. As a matter of self-governance, Star Cruises has already complied in a number of areas of the Code as part of its ship security policy and procedure well before the ISPS Code was officially adopted as a proactive measure to provide peace of mind to its passengers with safety being a top priority in the company."

Hughes added, "It was obvious that Star Cruises due to the nature of its business take security as a fundamental component of its business risk management strategy as it has a very comprehensive security system in place. DNV would like to congratulate Star Cruises on being the first cruise ship operator to receive a ship security certificate under the auspices of the ISPS code."

DNV says itis committed to helping its customers deal with the new code. For the past two years, the society has conducted extensive research and pilot studies to prepare ahead. DNV's head of security Oivin Lorentzen commented: "With over 40,000 vessels and 20,000 port facilities to be incorporated under the code, it is very important that the new requirements for shipping are made as practical as possible to avoid stopping the flow of trade, at the same time as increasing the security level."