The Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) received major shipping accolades in December 2019, cementing its growing influence as an international ship classification society as the year draws to a close.

IRClass continued to be featured in Lloyd's List's 'Top 10 classification societies 2019', validating its growing presence across Asia Pacific and Europe as it adds Cyprus, the Netherlands, Malta and Bulgaria to an expanding list of flag administrations that have authorised IRClass as a 'Recognised Organisation'.

IRClass' Executive Chairman, Mr Arun Sharma, was cited in Lloyd's List's 'Top 100 most influential people in the shipping industry', an annual ranking of top industry personalities across various maritime businesses including shipowning, ship operating, finance, insurance, regulations and registries.

Mr Sharma was also included in the publication's 'Top 10 in regulation 2019', a listing of the most significant actors in regulation that affect shipping. Mr Sharma concurrently serves as chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS); the shipping veteran is prioritising regulatory requirements and spearheading IACS' data-driven policy during his year-long tenure.

Elsewhere, at the recently-concluded Samudra Manthan Awards 2019, IRClass was recognised as the 'Classification Society of the year', an award which it won in 2018 as well. The Samudra Manthan Awards are given to 14 different maritime sectors and additional awards are given to exceptional individuals and organisations who have contributed to the maritime industry.

Commenting on the recent industry accolodes, Mr Sharma said: "These awards bestowed upon us, attest to the professionalism and dedication of my colleagues who have built IRClass to what it is today. We will continue to build on our achievements to deliver even greater value to the communities we serve."

Issued by Elaborate Communications