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Following the merger of Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and Germanischer Lloyd (GL), Paal Johansen [pictured] is heading up the joint maritime operations of DNV GL in North and South America. His previous position was Director of Renewable Energy for DNV North America.

During his 32 years at DNV, Johansen has held management positions for the company's classification business in several countries including Korea and Japan.

"This is a region of growth and opportunity, 20% growth year-on-year for us since 2010. The Panama canal is being expanded, oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico is at record levels, LNG-fuelled ships are being built at US yards, and Brazil is building yards to meet the needs of its vast and growing oil and gas industry. So it is a good time for us to be able to draw on the combined forces of DNV and GL," commented Johansen.

With a staff of 400 people, DNV GL in Canada, USA, Central America and South America is serving a growing maritime market in classification and advisory services for both ship building, ship operations and offshore activities. In addition, DNV GL has 2600 more employees in the Americas, within oil and gas, certification and sustainable energy.