The Bureau Veritas label ‘SAFEGUARD’ demonstrates that on each of Attica Group’s vessels specific procedures are being implemented to address COVID-19 related biological risks, aiming at safeguarding human health.
Attica Group, parent company of SUPERFAST FERRIES, BLUE STAR FERRIES and HELLENIC SEAWAYS, with a high sense of responsibility towards its passengers, has been taking all necessary precautionary measures from the first moment the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. The focus has been on the protection of the passengers and crew members of its vessels in close collaboration with the requirements of NPHO (the National Public Health Organization) in Greece and all competent authorities.
With the tourist season now commencing and the transportation of passengers to and from the Greek islands now permitted, Attica Group is using the new service ‘Restart your business with BV’ in cooperation with Bureau Veritas, world leader in testing inspection and certification, in order to certify the quality and reliability that have established the Group as a top provider of maritime passenger transport.
Introduced in May, “Restart your business with BV”, addresses biological risks, as posed by COVID-19 and other infections, providing procedures and measures to protect people. The new service includes a framework of standards, which after the completion of strict audits and certification, is validated through the new Bureau Veritas label - ‘SAFEGUARD’, providing operators, crew and passengers with the confidence that dangers occurring from potential infections or pandemics are being addressed effectively.
10 vessels of Attica Group have now been certified by Bureau Veritas, acquiring the Bureau Veritas label “SAFEGUARD”, recognizing the successful completion of Bureau Veritas audits and that the ships and company are in conformity with health, safety and hygiene requirements; that procedures have been applied correctly; and that the operator has trained the crew and the necessary shore personnel.
Mr. Spyros Paschalis, CEO of Attica Group commenting further said: ‘Attica Group is systematically implementing measures towards the protection of the health of its passengers and crews on board its vessels. Since the first day of the outbreak of COVID-19 we intensified and adapted our procedures accordingly, remaining always in close collaboration with the Health Authorities. During this process we became familiar with “Restart your Business with BV”. Bureau Veritas, after checking carefully our procedures and based on the standards it has established, concluded that they are being implemented correctly and proceeded to the issuance of certification for each vessel with the SAFEGUARD label, demonstrating that the services offered by Attica Group are effectively addressing health, sanitation and hygiene requirements. I would like to thank Bureau Veritas for their cooperation and to welcome our passengers onboard for a magnificent and hygiene-protected trip.’
Mrs. Paillette Palaiologou, Vice-President for the Hellenic, Black Sea and Adriatic Zone, Bureau Veritas, Marine & Offshore, commenting said: ‘It’s been a pleasure to work with Attica. This customized service is helping Attica put in place and confirm that the measures they have established meet the required standards to provide confidence.’ As of this morning our RYB team has audited 10 ships in Attica’s fleet and we are very pleased to now issue the first certificates and the accompanying SAFEGUARD labels. This service is all about protecting people, fitting perfectly with our core mission as a class society. Part of the reason we can address these issues so effectively is the combination of our specific marine risk expertise and the BV group’s 78,000 employees working in all industries to help address the reality of pandemic risk.’
