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

AtoB@C Shipping takes delivery of Fleximar

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

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

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

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

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

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

NORDEN has acquired the cargo activities of Taylor Maritime in Southern Africa (previously operated... Read more

IMO delay could spark fragmentation risks, warns EmissionLink

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

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

The maritime industry is experiencing a period of significant transformation, driven by rapidly evolving... Read more