HSE at Turkish Shipyards: Key Requirements for Norwegian Shipping Companies

When Norwegian shipping companies plan to build vessels at Turkish shipyards, it is crucial to ensure that health, safety, and environment (HSE) are maintained properly. Here are some important points to include in the contract and follow-up to ensure that HSE requirements are met.

Contractualize HSE requirements and standards

Be explicit in the contract about which HSE requirements and standards the shipyard must comply with. Consider referring to recognized international standards such as ISO 45001 for the working environment. Also specify sanctions for breaches of HSE rules.

Demand full reporting of accidents

The contract should require the shipyard to immediately report all personal injuries, fatalities, and serious near-misses during construction. Also, set requirements for thorough investigation and implementation of measures.

Conduct regular inspections

Include in the contract that you, as the customer, have the right to inspect the shipyard regularly. During the inspections, it should be checked that the necessary protective equipment is in place and used, that scaffolding and cranes are in proper condition, and that the shipyard has good contingency routines.

Have a permanent HSE manager at the shipyard

Require that the shipyard must at all times have a dedicated person following up on HSE on behalf of the customer. This person should have the authority to stop work in the event of serious deviations. Ensure a clear reporting line to the customer's own organization as well.

Follow up with subcontractors

Check that the shipyard has good routines to ensure that subcontractors also comply with HSE requirements. Consider including in the contract that the customer must approve key subcontractors.

By incorporating these elements into contract work and ongoing follow-up, Norwegian shipping companies and shipyard customers have good opportunities to ensure that international HSE standards are also adhered to at Turkish shipyards. Sterk Law Firm is pleased to assist with legal advice on HSE requirements in contracts with foreign shipyards, emphasizing that this is regarding Norwegian law.