The US Coast Guard released a list of new ships to win its "E-Zero" designation with high profile owners such as Tsakos Navigation and Maran Tankers to join the ranks.
E-Zero recognises ships for having zero detentions and zero deficiencies on a worldwide basis over a period of three years.
It is an extension of the USCG's current Qualship 21 programme, which rewards ships for meeting US compliance rules with fewer inspections.
Norway's 'Saga Shipholding remains on top of the list of owners recognised for their safety and environmental standards. The Tevnik-based owner has nine ships listed as qualifying for E-Zero.
Athens-based Gleamray Maritime managed to increase the number of ships it had with E-Zero designation to five.
Compagnie Maritime Belge's Bocimar was the show with four handysize bulkers recognised for E-Zero designation.
But Bocimar was tied with John Angelicoussis' Maran Tankers, which also had four vessels on the list. Most of those are under the technical management of Chevron Shipping.
Tsakos Energy Navigation also made the list with tankers recognised as E-Zero ships.
A total of 40 ships have the E-Zero designation currently. The USCG previous estimated that only about 15% of 1,500 ships in the Qualship 21 programme will be eligible for the E-Zero designation.
