Star Bulk Carriers was recognised with Qualship 21 status by the US Coast Guard (USCG) for having very few violations or deficiencies on its vessels.
Thirty of its bulkers that trade in US waters are now covered under the programme.
Qualship 21 is for ships registered under certain flags that have fleets with a three-year detention ratio in the US of less than 1%. Vessels that win Qualship 21 status have more limited port state control inspections when visiting US ports.
The USCG says less than 10% of non-US flagged vessel that trade in the US meet Qualship 21 status.
The majority of Star Bulk's 70 vessels are registered under the Marshall Islands. Thirteen flag administrations lost Qualship 21 status in 2016 due to having a three-year detention ratio exceeding 1%.
It was not immediately available which specific vessels received Qualship 21 status. A representative of Star Bulk was unavailable to comment by presstime.
USCG Rear Admiral Paul Thomas said the Qualship award puts Star Bulk vessels "in an elite class. This is a remarkable accomplishment and I applaud the efforts of [Star Bulk] and the master and crew of the qualified vessels for setting such a high standard of excellence.”
Marketing advantage for chartering
Nicos Rescos, chief operating officer of the New York-listed, Greek shipowner says Qualship 21 status is also a positive for the company's charter parties.
“Our ships have been recognized as well-run and rewarded with limited port State control inspections in the US," Rescos said. "Fewer inspections means a lower likelihood of unnecessary delays."
Business operations director Theo Xenakoudis said: “our Piraeus office, along with the other 26 worldwide offices, have worked hand-in-hand with Star Bulk to ensure that their vessels meet stringent port State control requirements not just in the US, but globally.”
