With their expertise, classification societies help ship owners and operators manage risk, ensure compliance with international regulations, and minimize the likelihood of accidents or environmental damage.

In this article, we delve into the ins and outs of classification societies, shedding light on their role, responsibilities and importance in the maritime industry, and we've compiled the latest profiles of IACS members. Let's get started!

The Significance of Classification Societies

In the mariime realm, classification societies occupy a pivotal role, overseeing the classification and statutory services for ships and equipment. Their primary mission is to ensure vessels comply with both international and national regulations, thus safeguarding maritime safety. Through a blend of technical expertise, compliance verification, and ongoing research, these societies make distinctive contributions toward enhancing ship safety and environmental sustainability. With over 90% of the global merchant fleet adhering to rules and standards set by members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), they establish crucial benchmarks and guiding principles for the industry to follow.

Regulatory Framework and Standards

Classification societies establish and enforce regulations and standards governing ship classification and statutory services. These regulations are designed to uphold the structural integrity of vessels and ensure the reliability of propulsion and steering systems. By developing their own rules and overseeing compliance with international and national statutory regulations on behalf of flag administrations, classification societies fulfill their mandate.

Diverse Range of Services Offered by Classification Societies

Their services include inspections, audits, and certification, covering a wide range of areas such as structure, machinery, navigation, and safety management systems.They establish and enforce technical standards, inspect vessels during construction and operation, and issue certifications to guarantee compliance with international regulations. 

It can be roughly divided into:

• Classification and statutory services to ensure adherence to maritime safety regulations;

• Provision of technical support, thereby contributing to ship safety and environmental protection;

• Compliance verification, ensuring compliance with international and national statutory regulations;

• Research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing ship safety and environmental sustainability.

From the initial design phase to construction, the involvement of classification societies is indispensable. They conduct assessments for vessels and offshore structures to ensure compliance with the classification system, facilitating their construction and operation.

Advantages of Collaborating with Classification Societies

Collaborating with classification societies offers several advantages, such as:

• Access to classification and statutory services to ensure compliance with maritime safety regulations;

• Availability of technical expertise, enhancing ship safety and environmental sustainability;

• Assurance of compliance with international and relevant national statutory regulations through verification processes;

• Support for research and development efforts aimed at improving ship safety and environmental sustainability.

While obtaining classification society certification can entail significant expenses, not collaborating with classification societies can result in various drawbacks. For instance, vessels or maritime equipment not approved by classification societies may be ineligible for insurance claims in the event of accidents or incidents.

How many classification societies are there?

There are more than 50 classification societies in the world, but currently only 12 are members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). Russian Maritime Register of Shipping withdrew in 2022, and TÜRK LOYDU has recently been allowed to join.

Being a member of IACS has many benefits. It will gain wider recognition in the industry and become the choice of more customers. The classification standards of these 12 members cover 90% of the world's cargo ships. Not all classification societies are created equal, however. Each society has its own unique approach, expertise, and rules. Some are known for their rigorous inspections, while others are recognized for their specialization in particular vessel types or sectors of the industry. 

Members of IACS List (2024)

1. American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is a prominent classification society established in 1862, based in the United States, with a global presence in over 70 countries. ABS is dedicated to promoting safety, protecting the environment, and ensuring the integrity of marine and offshore assets through the development and enforcement of standards and regulations. With a fleet of over 12,000 ships and offshore structures, ABS offers classification services, technical support, and innovative solutions, guided by principles of integrity, good faith, and excellence.

2. Bureau Veritas (BV)

Bureau Veritas (BV) is a renowned classification society founded in 1828, initially in Antwerp, later relocating to Paris. With a global presence spanning 140 countries through 550 offices, BV offers comprehensive services including ship classification, fuel testing, equipment evaluation, and social audits, supporting both newbuild and in-service vessels with a focus on safety, innovation, and regulatory compliance. BV's expertise extends across various ship types, with a fleet of over 11,500 ships, and its continuous updates to rules ensure alignment with industry advancements and emerging technologies.

3. China Classification Society (CCS)

China Classification Society (CCS), established in 1956 and headquartered in Beijing, is China's sole specialized organization providing classification services. With a global presence across 128 offices and authorized by 60 major shipping states, CCS offers classification surveys, statutory services, and technical expertise to ensure safety, environmental protection, and value creation across various industries including shipping, shipbuilding, marine finance, renewable energy, and governmental policy development. By adhering to its mission of safety and environmental protection and leveraging advanced technologies, CCS continuously enhances its reputation and value, earning recognition as a leading international classification society.

4. Croatian Register of Shipping (CRS)

The Croatian Register of Shipping (CRS), established in 1949, is Formerly known as Yugoslav Register of Shipping (JR). As an independent classification society based in Split. It provides classification services for sea-going and inland navigation vessels, statutory certification, and conformity assessments for various marine products and equipment. CRS became a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) in May 2011 and is recognized for its commitment to safety and regulatory compliance in the maritime industry.

5. DNV

DNV, formerly known as DNV GL, is the largest classification society globally, tracing its roots to 1864. With over 13,000 employees across 100 countries and a significant presence in maritime, oil and gas, renewable energy, and healthcare sectors, DNV offers comprehensive services including testing, certification, and technical advisory. As the world's leading provider of digital solutions, DNV ensures safety, performance and regulatory compliance across industries worldwide - ships, pipelines, process plants, offshore structures and more.

6. Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), established in 1975, is an international ship classification society headquartered in Mumbai, India. As a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), IRClass provides classification, certification, and technical inspection services for marine vessels, offshore structures, and industrial projects, promoting safety and environmental standards in the maritime industry. With a network of 25 administrative offices across India and a presence in various countries, IRClass ensures efficient and reliable surveying and inspection facilities for ships and ports worldwide.

7. Korean Register (KR)

Korean Register (KR), established in 1960 and a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) since 1988, is the premier classification society in Asia. Headquarter in Busan, with over 72 exclusive offices worldwide and authorization from more than 80 flag administrations, KR provides comprehensive technical services in ship classification, energy, environment, and naval sectors, emphasizing safety, environmental protection, and technological innovation in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As a non-profit organization headquartered in Busan, South Korea, KR is dedicated to fostering professionalism and competence among its staff to deliver top-quality services tailored to customer requirements while contributing to maritime safety and environmental preservation.

8. Lloyd's Register (LR)

Lloyd's Register (LR) is a renowned classification society with over 250 years of experience in providing technical and business services to the marine and offshore industries. Headquartered in London and established in 1760, LR, as a part of the Lloyd's Register Foundation, aims to ensure maritime safety and environmental protection while offering global advisory services and solutions across the maritime value chain. With branch offices in over 182 countries, LR assists clients in optimizing asset management, adhering to classification criteria, and achieving technological competitiveness in line with marine safety standards.

9. Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK)

ClassNK, or Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, founded in 1899, is a leading ship classification society headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. With a global network of surveying officials and over 130 administrative offices, ClassNK ensures the safety and environmental protection of marine vessels and structures, offering diverse technical services, statutory certifications, and management system certifications to over 110 flag states. As a non-profit organization committed to digitalization and decarbonization, ClassNK collaborates with industry partners to develop innovative solutions for a safer, greener, and sustainable maritime future, overseeing approximately 20% of the world's merchant fleet.

10. Polish Register of Shipping (PRS)

Polish Register of Shipping (PRS), established in 1936 and headquartered in Gdańsk, Poland, is an independent classification society with over 80 years of international market experience. PRS joined IACS on October 1, 1970, specialized in developing classification and construction rules for various floating units and provides a wide range of services including surveys, certifications, technical analysis, and R&D for the maritime sector, extending beyond ship classification to industrial sectors such as offshore wind farms and technical structure objects. Notably, PRS stands out as the only classification society with its own team of scuba divers surveyors, offering underwater inspection services.

11. RINA Services s.p.A. (RINA)

RINA, founded in 1861 and headquartered in Genoa, Italy, is a prominent classification society providing ship classification, certification, and technical services globally. With over 5,600 professionals and a presence in 70 countries, RINA focuses on energy transition, ESG, and digitalization while offering sustainable solutions across various sectors, including marine, energy, mobility, real estate, and industry. As a founding member of IACS and with authorization from 122 flag administrations, RINA prioritizes innovation and sustainability to enhance safety, productivity, and environmental responsibility in the maritime industry.

12. TÜRK LOYDU

Türk Loydu, based in Istanbul, is Turkey's national classification society established in 1962 by the Chamber of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. Recognized internationally, Türk Loydu provides classification, inspection, and certification services across various sectors, including shipbuilding, machinery manufacturing, and training, with a competent technical team and accreditations ensuring adherence to international standards. Recently joining IACS in November 2023, Türk Loydu continues to pioneer developments in the marine and land industries, expanding its service areas and promoting sectoral growth.

Generally, it is best to choose the local or locally recognized classification society in which country, or region your ship operates. Then, book an inspection early based on your application and budget. According to our experience, most customers will always choose ABS, CCS, BV, three classification societies, of which ABS certification is expensive and the requirements are relatively strict, CCS becomes the first choice for us to recommend to our customers by virtue of competitive price and short certification period, and BV may be a little less difficult to pass the certification.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the nuances between classification societies allows shipowners and operators to tailor their choices to align with their unique requirements.

At OUCO, our extensive experience in certification by leading classification societies equips us with comprehensive insights into their intricacies and procedures. Whether you seek cetrfied maritime equipment or guidance in this domain, we are here to assist you. Your inquiries are always welcomed and encouraged. Reach out to us for any further assistance or consultation you may need.