A ship manufactured in Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Nantong municipal government in Jiangsu province reached a strategic cooperation agreement with Bureau Veritas (China) Co on Sept 17.

The two parties will work together to promote the green and smart upgrading of Nantong's shipbuilding and equipment industries to improve international competitiveness.

Bureau Veritas, founded in 1828, is a world-renowned inspection and certification organization and a founding member of the International Association of Classification Societies. It is a leading classification society and marine engineering inspection authority in the industry.

Ling Yi, vice-mayor of Nantong, said that the city is dedicated to developing a cluster for shipbuilding and marine engineering services. The cooperation will support the high-end, intelligent, and green transformation of Nantong's shipbuilding and equipment sectors, promote the adoption of new energy technologies, and improve the industry's intelligent manufacturing capabilities.

Alex Gregg-Smith, senior vice-president of BV, said that this agreement represents a new beginning for BV to strengthen its presence in the Nantong market. The company intends to boost investments in the city, collaboratively develop high-level professionals in ship design, inspection and testing, and green manufacturing, and establish a technical team meeting international standards.