The new leader of the growing China Classification Society (CCS) promises to focus on decarbonisation and digitalisation.
Former vice president Sun Feng becomes chairman and president, taking over from Mo Jianhui, who has retired.
Sun, 56, started out at the Dalian branch of CCS in 1987 and was made general manager of the classed ship in service department at headquarters in Beijing in 2005.
Three years later, he became a vice president and has been in charge of most business areas, including classification surveys for ships, offshore installations and related industrial products, science and technology, research and development, IT and international affairs.
At a handover ceremony in Beijing, Sun praised his predecessor's contribution.
"Mr Mo oversaw the rapid growth of our classed fleet, an expanded global network, and he helped increase our international presence and influence," he said.
"We have also seen our offshore business increase despite the downward trend."
Industrial business has also grown, with CCS' non-marine business now close to half of its total volume.
Founded in 1956, CCS is a full member of the International Association of Classification Societies and its serviced fleet numbers more than 32,000 vessels exceeding 171.8m gt.
Sun said a focus of his new role will be to drive innovation in key areas such as decarbonisation, intelligent shipping and digitalisation.
"We must continue to propel the ethos of quality across our organisation, promoting CCS’ rules and standards system, strengthening research in green and intelligent technology, while deepening the research and application of new survey technologies and accelerating digital transformation."
Cai Yanxian, 53, who has worked for the society in various positions since 1994, becomes one of four vice presidents, replacing Zhu Kai, who has retired.
CCS has a worldwide network of 129 sites, including new offices in Abu Dhabi, Manila and St Petersburg. Its 33,000-plus clients are spread over 166 countries and regions.
