AsiaOperationsRegulatory

ClassNK back at the top of the class

Tokyo: DNV GL’s time at the top of the ship classification league did not last long. Japan’s ClassNK announced today that it has resumed its top billing, according to data provided by shipbroker, Clarkson.

Class NK’s registered fleet has hit 366m dwt, equating to 21% of the global merchant fleet.

When Norway’s DNV and Germany’s GL merged in 2013 the pairing usurped ClassNK’s position at the top of the class leaderboard. Insiders at ClassNK confide to Splash that many customers from DNV GL parted with the new entity as the merger was not entirely smooth.

ClassNK chairman and president, Noboru Ueda (pictured) commented on reclaiming top spot: “At ClassNK, we believe that nationality is not relevant to our customers. Shipowners and operators around the world select their classification society on the basis of the services delivered.”

Speaking with Maritime CEO last week, Ueda said: “As the role of ClassNK evolves, we aim to become the infrastructure of the industry and create a safer, greener, more efficient future.”

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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