Can you reflect on the key milestones and achievements that have defined its journey and share your vision for the future of maritime safety and innovation?
Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has been a beacon of progress and excellence in the maritime industry since its inception in 1975. Over the past five decades, IRS has expanded its international presence, earning recognition from 52 leading maritime administrations across the globe. As a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), IRS has built a strong reputation for excellence, gaining the trust of maritime stakeholders worldwide. With a growing global fleet under its classification, IRS continues to be a preferred partner, supporting the maritime industry with high-quality services and expertise. IRS has also been at the forefront of driving innovation, from adopting digital tools for surveys to fostering sustainability initiatives. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, our vision is to lead the charge in enhancing maritime safety and innovation by embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI, digital twins, and autonomous systems, while remaining steadfast in our commitment to quality and reliability.
As a nation where are we at are decarbonisation initiatives and how is IRS helping the Indian ship owners to navigate these challenges?
India has made steady progress in its decarbonisation journey, aligning with global initiatives like the IMO’s climate strategy. Indian shipowners face challenges such as adopting alternative fuels, improving energy efficiency, and adhering to stricter emission norms. IRS supports shipowners by providing guidance on energy transition strategies, conducting feasibility studies for alternative fuels like LNG, methanol, and hydrogen, and developing compliance roadmaps for upcoming regulations like CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator). We are working on Government of India initiatives like Harit Nauka (Green Ship) which are geared towards making decarbonisation both practical and economically viable for Indian stakeholders.
How are the impactful emerging technologies like Digital Twins, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Vehicles will be influencing the future of ship classification?
Emerging technologies like digital twins, AI, and autonomous systems are transforming the ship classification landscape. Digital twins enable real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, enhancing vessel performance and safety. AI aids in processing vast amounts of data for risk assessment and operational efficiency, while autonomous technologies are driving innovation in unmanned vessels and smarter navigation. IRS is actively researching and adopting these technologies, ensuring that classification services remain relevant, efficient, and future-ready in this evolving environment.
How is technology being used for classification like using drones for survey, paperless 3-D models to approve designs data analytics, digitalisation etc.? Any of them are used in Indian context?
In the Indian context, the use of technology in classification services is gaining momentum as the maritime industry modernizes. IRS and other stakeholders are leveraging advancements like IoT, AI, and data analytics for predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and condition-based surveys, reducing downtime and costs. Remote inspection technologies, such as drones and AR, are being adopted to streamline surveys. India’s focus on sustainability is driving the use of digital tools to monitor emissions and optimize fuel efficiency. Additionally, cybersecurity measures are being strengthened to protect connected systems. These technologies enhance safety, efficiency, and compliance, positioning India as a competitive player in the global maritime sector.
Can you provide insights into how the IRS is contributing to the growth of Indian tonnage over the years and what future plans are in place to further enhance this growth?
IRS has played a pivotal role in enhancing Indian tonnage by supporting shipowners through quality assurance, certification, and regulatory compliance. Our robust technical expertise has enabled Indian shipowners to navigate global challenges and maintain competitiveness. Future plans include strengthening our outreach to domestic shipowners, facilitating fleet modernisation, and expanding services to niche segments like offshore wind and green shipping corridors, thereby contributing further to the growth of Indian tonnage.
What policy measures can we expect from the government to support Indian flagship owners?
To foster the growth of Indian shipping, policy measures such as incentives, support for green retrofitting, and enhanced access to global markets would be instrumental. Additionally, greater participation in international maritime forums and strengthening of industry partnerships could further encourage the expansion of Indian shipping. IRS remains committed to engaging with policymakers to advocate for initiatives that ensure a competitive and sustainable future for the Indian maritime sector.
