ClassNK appoints new President & CEO and Executive Vice President
(Posted on 27/03/25)
Current ClassNK Senior Vice President Hayato Suga has been appointed as President & CEO as well as Representative Director of ClassNK and current Corporate Officer Fumihiko Higashi has been appointed as Executive Vice President, effective 21 March 2025.
Former President & CEO Hiroaki Sakashita has been appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors, while former Chairman of the Board of Directors Koichi Fujiwara has assumed the position of Advisor to the Society.
Speaking on the occasion, newly appointed President & CEO Hayato Suga said: “The business environment is changing rapidly, with boundaries between industries becoming increasingly blurred due to environmental challenges and digital transformation. In response, our mission is to provide certification and related services in a timely manner to meet these diverse and fast-evolving needs, just like a top sushi chef serves the finest ingredients at the perfect moment. By doing so, we aim to connect industries through trust and contribute to the sound development and sustainable operation of the maritime sector."
Hayato Suga earned his bachelor’s degree in Ocean Engineering from Hiroshima University in 1986 and joined ClassNK the same year. He gained experience in plan approval and on-site surveys and later managed survey activities in Europe and Africa from the London Office. Returning to Japan, he contributed to tanker standards development and was an active member and chairperson of the Tanker Structure Co-operative Forum. He later held key positions such as Director of Plan Approval Division and Director of Planning Division, and was appointed Executive Vice President in 2022 and Senior Executive Vice President in 2024.
Latest News
AtoB@C Shipping takes delivery of Fleximar
(Posted on 23/12/25)AtoB@C Shipping, a subsidiary of ESL Shipping, has announced the successful delivery of Fleximar, the... Read more
Western Bulk re-enters ship ownership with selected partners
(Posted on 18/12/25)Western Bulk, together with reputable Norwegian partners A/S J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, Premium Maritime... Read more
Pacific Basin announces formation of a Sustainable Energy Solutions team
(Posted on 18/12/25)Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has announced... Read more
Columbia expects significant growth as more owners shift operations to the UAE
(Posted on 09/12/25)Columbia Group anticipates a period of strong expansion as an increasing number of international shipowners... Read more
Norse Ship Management emerges as digital leader among new-generation ship managers
(Posted on 09/12/25)Norse?Ship Management has expanded its use of Smart Ship Hub’s high frequency sensor data and... Read more
Maritime health experts welcome STCW amendments, but urge against checkbox compliance
(Posted on 09/12/25)As the maritime industry gears up to welcome the IMO’s STCW bullying and harassment training amendments... Read more
NORDEN acquires Southern African cargo activities of Taylor Maritime
(Posted on 02/12/25)NORDEN has acquired the cargo activities of Taylor Maritime in Southern Africa (previously operated... Read more
IMO delay could spark fragmentation risks, warns EmissionLink
(Posted on 02/12/25)Philippos Ioulianou, Managing Director of EmissionLink, has warned the IMO’s decision to delay... Read more
VIKAND highlights bullying and harassment as major mental health concern
(Posted on 02/12/25)VIKAND has highlighted the need for cultural change in the maritime sector as reports of bullying, harassment... Read more
DNV and WMMF guide to support shipowners' path to net-zero
(Posted on 24/11/25)The maritime industry is experiencing a period of significant transformation, driven by rapidly evolving... Read more
