IACS Class Report 2024: Key Insights into Surveyors and Recognizing Flag States
The IACS Class Report 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the classification society’s role in global shipping, focusing on the number of surveyors and recognition by flag state authorities. The report covers ocean-going self-propelled ships of 100 GT and above, excluding fishing vessels, military vessels, and pleasure craft, with dual-classed ships counted at 100%.
One of the key highlights is the distribution of surveyors across different IACS members. DNV, ABS, and LR have the highest number of surveyors, with a notable distinction between exclusive plan approval engineers and surveyors involved in ship inspections. Other classification societies such as BV, CCS, and KR also maintain significant surveyor numbers, reflecting their extensive involvement in ship classification and regulatory compliance.
In terms of recognition by flag state authorities, the report highlights the number of RO (Recognized Organization) agreements each IACS member holds with flag states. ABS, BV, DNV, LR, and RINA lead in this category, each being recognized by over 100 flag states. This underscores their global standing and trust within the maritime regulatory framework. Other members, including NK, KR, and IRS, also hold considerable recognition, ensuring wide-ranging influence across different maritime jurisdictions.
The report reinforces IACS’s crucial role in maintaining global shipping safety and regulatory standards, with its members collectively overseeing a significant portion of the world’s merchant fleet. As the industry moves toward stricter compliance and sustainability measures, the role of classification societies will become even more vital in shaping the future of maritime operations.
