IRClass marks 10 years IACS membership

(Posted on 07/10/20)

This year, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) marks 10 years of full membership of the International Association of Classification Societies. Having been an associate member since 1991, IRClass became a full member in 2010 and has actively participated and contributed within IACS throughout the years.

During its membership, IRClass has participated in various important IACS bodies and has chaired the IACS group on Quality Policy, the Safety Panel, the Steering Committee on Strategy and Expert Group on Formal Safety Assessment. Further IRClass also chaired the General Policy Group (GPG) which is the highest technical body in IACS while making regular contributions in various panels and expert groups.

IRClass’ Executive Chairman Arun Sharma was elected as IACS Council Chairman from July 2019 to June 2020 and continues to be the Vice Chair of the Association.

During his tenure, Mr. Sharma started an initiative to encourage class to engage more deeply and frequently with industry partners through a structured programme of engagement. A data driven policy was another initiative embarked upon so that decisions within IACS could be made on objectively justified and scientifically evidenced positions.

With rapid advancement in technologies and ever-changing regulatory requirements, the role of class is also changing. Expanding class society’s verification fields into the new and emerging areas of data quality assurance is another important aspect which IRClass will continue to champion through its membership of IACS in the years to come.

Executive Chairman, Mr. Arun Sharma said, ‘As a relatively young classification society, IRClass has come a long way from being a member to an active contributor within IACS and eventually leading the Association through particularly turbulent times. IRClass prides itself as a member of IACS, an association whose contributions to regulatory and technical aspects of shipping are perhaps now becoming better known to the maritime industry at large’.

Latest News

Posidonia 2026 takes centre stage amid global freedom of navigation challenges

From insurance and risk management to energy transition, digitalisation and maritime security, the Posidonia... Read more

First maritime compliance & prevention-focused organisation, PaS, joins DBCE

Prevention at Sea (PaS), a leading maritime compliance, auditing, and digital solutions provider, has... Read more

NorthStandard reports strong results and strategic momentum

NorthStandard has reported strong financial results, continued strategic progress and enhanced support... Read more

Latest guidance for vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz

Hundreds of vessels remain unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz and, in the event of a return to more... Read more

The Bahamas regains QUALSHIP 21 eligibility

The Bahamas has regained eligibility for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 programme... Read more

First dedicated STS standard for dry bulk released by INTERCARGO

Ship to ship (STS) transfers are an established part of dry bulk operations, and they are growing. As... Read more

Columbia reinforces commitment to maritime talent

Columbia Group has strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of maritime professionals... Read more

Jamaica marks 50 years at IMO with call for island states to shape future

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica has marked Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as a member of the International... Read more

Costamare Bulkers logs first profit after Cargill deal removes most legacy trading

Costamare Bulkers Holdings Limited has reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended... Read more

NORDEN strengthens fleet with the addition of four Handysize vessels

NORDEN have announced that they have expanded their fleet with the purchase of four dry cargo Handysize... Read more