The China Classification Society (CCS) registered fleet has grown to 155m gt.
That ranks the outfit as the fifth largest member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) in terms of pure marine business.
CCS said its 2019 figures had shown 7.2% growth on the previous year. Its recent development mirrors the emergence of China as a major player in the shipping and shipbuilding business over the last two decades.
CCS now provides classification services to 32,000 ships involved in international and domestic shipping.
The classification society is now involved in all the major shipping sectors, including containerships and LNG carriers. It has even recently become involved in cruiseship newbuilding projects.
CCS has also diversified into the offshore, renewable energy and industrial certification markets.
President and chairman Mo Jianhui outlined that he is working to “strengthen CCS’s position as a world-class classification society”.
He said: “All areas of the business enjoyed steady increases in 2019. During the year, we optimised our management structures and moved to improve the operation and administration of overseas offices.
Reaching for growth
“Expanding the society’s international reach continues to be a key focus area and our three newly opened service offices have further increased our global coverage.”
Some rivals in the classification business suggest that while CCS has seen its tonnage grow significantly, it is not as technically advanced as the leading IACS members, especially in the field of green technology.
Jianhui said CCS is also targeting technical development and it has put the focus on environmental concerns.
He added that CCS has two technical institutes and six research centres dedicated to advanced marine technology.
Jianhui said: “We were able to launch valuable studies during 2019 into key areas including green technology, intelligent technology, high value-added ship technology and maritime technology."
CSS is developing LNG-powered ships and has run trials for autonomous ships.
