Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) - Experts & Thought Leaders

Indian Register of Shipping has reported a strong year across defence, merchant marine, digital innovation and research during 2025, reinforcing its position as a key technical partner for governments, shipowners and shipyards at a time of accelerating change for the maritime sector. In merchant marine, IRS recorded broader engagement in international projects. It completed its first new construction project for Penguin Shipyard in Singapore, delivered its first Korean owner Korean-built vessel through IRS Korea, and continued to attract major global operators. Technical expertise and responsiveness Vessels from CMA CGM and Maersk were classed during 2025, reflecting confidence in the organisation’s technical expertise and responsiveness. IRS also expanded its presence in the Middle East with the opening of a new office in Saudi Arabia to support growing regional activity. Since January 2025, 115 vessels of various sizes and applications have been delivered under its class in India and abroad. Fleet modernisation plans In the defence sector, IRS supported major national programmes as the Indian Navy advanced its fleet modernisation plans. The organisation completed the single classing of the Navy’s Fleet Support Ships, a first for the country, and contributed to the delivery and commissioning of Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes, Survey Vessel Large and Diving Support Vessels. A further milestone was achieved through its supervision of the refit of the submarine INS Sindhukirti. This marked the first time a classification society in India had overseen an EKM class submarine refit and demonstrated growing capability in managing high-complexity naval platforms. How safety frameworks will need to evolve to support Digital transformation remained a central focus for the organisation. IRS advanced the deployment of virtual twin technology to support life cycle assessment and 3D classification processes and continued to build capability in predictive analysis and remote-ready solutions. It also played a visible role in shaping the discussion around the long-term potential of nuclear propulsion for commercial shipping. IRS also participated in a specialist roundtable during London International Shipping Week, which examined how nuclear energy may influence deep-sea decarbonisation strategies and how safety frameworks will need to evolve to support future feasibility studies. Development of inland waterway infrastructure IRS strengthened its involvement in the development of inland waterway infrastructure through a collaborative feasibility study with Rhenus Logistics India. The organisation also supported knowledge sharing within the ship recycling sector by hosting a seminar on safe and sustainable recycling practices in Bhavnagar. Research and development continued to underpin much of the organisation’s technical progress. IRS advanced work in AI-driven FEML automation, computational fluid dynamics for rotor sail efficiency and full-scale powering prediction. Its research output was published in pioneering international journals. Future global safety standards Additional initiatives included hydrogen fuel risk analysis, IMDG training and an underwater welding skills programme delivered with IIT Guwahati. IRS also developed Indian Coast Guard vetted oil spill contingency plans for major ports, provided structural analysis for naval platforms and contributed to IMO and IACS projects that will shape future global safety standards. Future-ready technical assurance Reflecting on the year, Mr Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman of IRS, said: “Our work in 2025 demonstrates the trust placed in IRS across defence and commercial shipping and highlights the importance of rigorous, future-ready technical assurance. The maritime industry is entering a period defined by complex regulation, emerging technologies and major shifts in fuel strategy." "We are strengthening our capability and broadening our research partnerships, while continuing to support national and international clients with the highest standards of safety and technical integrity. This will remain our priority as the industry prepares for the next phase of transformation.” Adoption of digital classification tools Looking ahead to 2026, IRS expects continued growth in demand for advanced technical assurance across both defence and commercial shipping. The organisation anticipates increased activity in naval projects as multi-role vessels become more complex and require enhanced lifecycle support. Shipowners are expected to accelerate their adoption of digital classification tools as virtual twin technologies begin to influence survey planning and asset management. Innovation, safety and expanded industry collaboration Alternative fuel readiness is forecast to increase, particularly in hydrogen, biofuels and methanol, while long-term research into nuclear propulsion is expected to gain momentum as owners explore pathways for deep-sea decarbonisation beyond 2030. Inland waterway development is likely to progress as governments seek more sustainable domestic transport options. With a strong foundation built during 2025, IRS enters the new year focused on innovation, safety and expanded industry collaboration as it supports clients through evolving regulatory expectations and rapid technological advancement.

The Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS) has inaugurated an extension centre at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), as part of GRSE’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The centre was inaugurated at the GRSE Taratala unit by Cmde PR Hari IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, in the presence of Mr Saikat Roychowdhury, Head – Operations, Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), and Cdr Gopi Krishna Sivvam IN (Retd.), Chief Operating Officer, CEMS. Skill development initiative set up CEMS is a high-end skill development initiative set up through a collaboration between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and IRS. It is dedicated to developing a skilled workforce for India’s maritime sector. GRSE, a premier warship builder under the Ministry of Defence, is one of the country’s pioneering shipyards and engineering companies. Opportunities in shipbuilding and allied sectors Through this collaboration, CEMS and GRSE will deliver a specialised Skill Development Programme for youth Through this collaboration, CEMS and GRSE will deliver a specialised Skill Development Programme for youth, providing intensive, hands-on training to create a future-ready workforce for the maritime industry. The centre, located at GRSE's Technical Training Centre in Taratala, will offer industry-aligned courses designed to ensure direct placement opportunities in shipbuilding and allied sectors. Four high-demand disciplines The six-month programme will train 100 candidates across four high-demand disciplines in marine technology, namely Welding, Electrical, Structural Fittings, and Pipe Fittings.  Training will comprise three months of shop-floor learning followed by three months of on-the-job training across GRSE facilities. CEMS' leadership in maritime skill development “This partnership with GRSE marks an important step in our mission to bridge the skills gap in the maritime industry,” said Cdr Gopi Krishna Sivvam IN (Retd.), Chief Operating Officer, CEMS, adding “By combining CEMS’ training expertise with GRSE’s strong industrial base, we aim to provide young professionals with practical, industry-relevant skills that will open doors to sustainable careers and strengthen India’s shipbuilding capabilities.” The launch of this training centre reinforces CEMS’ leadership in maritime skill development and highlights the shared commitment of CEMS and GRSE to nurturing skilled professionals who will power the future of India’s maritime economy.

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), a premier ship classification society, congratulates the Indian Coast Guard and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on the successful launch of two new vessels — Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) ICGS Samudra Prachet and Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS Atal. These vessels mark a significant step towards strengthening India’s maritime security, environmental protection, and indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. Stringent standards of safety IRS has worked closely with GSL by providing high-quality type favours to ensure the vessel meets safety ICGS Samudra Prachet is the second in a series of two indigenous PCVs built by GSL for the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel will play a critical role in rapidly responding to marine pollution incidents, particularly oil spills within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). IRS has worked closely with GSL by providing high-quality classification services to ensure the vessel meets stringent standards of safety, quality, and environmental compliance. Two series of specialised vessels ICGS Atal is the sixth in a series of eight indigenously designed FPVs being constructed for the Indian Coast Guard. Designed in-house by GSL and classed by IRS, these versatile vessels, of 52-meter length and 320 tonnes displacement, are purpose-built for multi-role Coast Guard operations, including coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, island protection, and search and rescue missions. The successful indigenous construction of these two series of specialised vessels marks a significant contribution towards India's Atmanirbhar Bharat objective of strengthening indigenous capabilities in building specialised assets for the Indian Coast Guard. Extensive maritime surveillance NGOPVs are avant vessels capable of vast maritime surveillance, pollution response, search and rescue In an analogous development, the keel of the first of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV) for the Indian Coast Guard was successfully laid at Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders recently.  The NGOPVs are advanced vessels capable of extensive maritime surveillance, pollution response, search and rescue, and anti-smuggling operations in the EEZ. Maritime self-reliance Cdr KK Dhawan, Head Defence at IRS said, “Indian Register of Shipping remains deeply committed to supporting the Indian Government’s vision of maritime self-reliance by partnering in the design, development, and classification of a wide range of defence and specialised vessels." "These developments further reinforce IRS’s standing as a trusted technical partner in India’s shipbuilding resurgence.”