CimbriaTMS Awards 2023Port of South LouisianaPort of StocktonTelestackTBA Group
  • Port of Stockton
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Telestack
  • Vigan
  • Geneva Dry
  • Van Aalst

Thome’s successful remote audits

(Posted on 06/05/20)

The Thome Group has successfully undergone a series of remote audits with DNV GL in various locations due to the widespread lockdown restrictions across the globe.

Thome Mumbai office’s annual ISO 9001:2015 audit was performed online using video conferencing software which enabled document sharing and discussions to take place to verify that all requirements had been met. This was the first remote inspection that Thome had carried out and, because of its successful conclusion, it encouraged the Group to use the digital option for other audits as well.

So, when the annual Document of Compliance (DOC) surveys were due for Thome Ship Management, Thome Shipping and Thome Offshore Management, the remote option was the obvious choice.

DNV GL in Singapore co-ordinated the audits with relevant Thome personnel in each of the aforementioned companies and the Hong Kong, Liberia and Marshall Islands Flags also had representatives present to remotely witness the audit. This is currently the largest remote annual DOC audit performed by DNV GL´s Singapore office.

Taking the lessons learnt from the above audits, Thome decided to develop its own remote vessel internal audit procedures to ensure its managed vessels were not only compliant under ISM Ch.12.1 requirements, but also, to ensure that its management systems were verified to be effectively implemented, despite the COVID-19 restrictions.

Thanks to the efforts of Thome’s Quality Assurance, Marine & Safety and IT departments along with co-operation from one of Thome’s managed vessels, methods such as teleconferencing, screen sharing to demonstrate usage of onboard systems and documents and sharing of photos and videos to verify the physical condition onboard, were all employed to complete a successful audit which has meant that remote internal auditing is now being rolled out to the entire fleet.

“I am really pleased how our teams both onboard and in our offices, have worked with our class and flag partners to find ways to share information remotely to allow surveys and audits to take place during the lockdown restrictions. All parties have taken a very pragmatic and practical approach to satisfy regulatory requirements using digital technology. I think that once lockdown restrictions are eased, we may see the continuation of remote audits and inspections as they are proving to be an efficient use of everyone’s time and energy which is advantageous for everyone concerned,” said Claes Eek Thorstensen, Thome Group’s President and CCO.

Latest News

Damen completes green retrofit project for BAM Shipping

(Posted on 15/05/25)

Damen Shipyards Group, together with partners including Atal Solutions has completed its retrofit of... Read more


NORDEN expands MPP fleet, reinforcing growth in Projects & Parcelling

(Posted on 15/05/25)

NORDEN has announced that it has signed agreements for two additional 17,500 dwt Multi-purpose (MPP)... Read more


ClassNK’s ‘Guidelines for Safety Operation for Ammonia-Fueled Vessels’

(Posted on 15/05/25)

ClassNK has released the ‘Guidelines for Safety Operation for Ammonia-Fueled Vessels’ for... Read more


Better safeguarding measures needed to support cadets at sea

(Posted on 07/05/25)

Cadets are increasingly struggling to complete their cadetships due to a shortage of available placements... Read more


Algoma focuses on reliable service and fleet improvements

(Posted on 07/05/25)

Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Algoma... Read more


ClassNK releases ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’

(Posted on 01/05/25)

ClassNK has released ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’ which aim to achieve sustainable... Read more


MCTC ensures quality remains at top of the table amid global tensions

(Posted on 30/04/25)

In the face of unpredictable provisioning costs, port disruptions, and longer lead times MCTC has reinforced... Read more


NORDEN raises full-year guidance for 2025

(Posted on 28/04/25)

On the back of the increased gains from sales of vessels and good operational performance, NORDEN, a... Read more


INTERCARGO welcomes ILO recognition of seafarers as key workers

(Posted on 28/04/25)

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has welcomed the recent decision... Read more


MMS advises why seafarers must remain vigilant about malaria

(Posted on 25/04/25)

Despite its lack of publicity, malaria remains an ongoing epidemic and a perilous threat to seafarers... Read more


Van AalstViganBühler GmbHSailors SocietyGeneva Dry
  • Sailors Society
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Cimbria

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping