FRENCH classification society Bureau Veritas and RINA, Registro Italiano Navale of Italy, have acknowledged that discussions concerning an alliance between the two IACS members (International Association of Classification Societies) have been suspended.Bureau Veritas and RINA had almost reached agreement on the conditions of structuring such an alliance but, in the process of concluding the legal aspects of the deal, difficulties arose concerning corporate governance and certain guarantees requested by RINA, which Bureau Veritas felt unable to accept.

Bureau Veritas was prepared to discuss an alternative structuring of the agreement, but this did not meet the strategic objectives of RINA, which therefore decided not to continue negotiations at the present time.

Bernard Anne, head of BV's marine division, said, "It was not possible to reach agreement with our Italian colleagues on the legal structure of the alliance, but we will continue to develop closer levels of co-operation on technical and commercial matters."

Nicola Squassafichi, ceo of RINA, said, "Relations between BV and RINA have been strengthened, and the work done has shown the potential for greater co-operation between the two societies on joint projects."