Indian Register of Shipping records strong, diversified performance in 2025
MUMBAI : The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) reported a robust and diversified performance in 2025, reaffirming its position as a trusted technical partner to governments, shipowners, and shipyards at a time of rapid transformation in the global maritime industry.
In the merchant marine segment, IRS significantly expanded its international engagement and footprint. During the year, the society successfully completed its first newbuilding project for Penguin Shipyard in Singapore and delivered its first vessel for a Korean owner built at a Korean yard through IRS Korea. Confidence from leading global operators was reflected in vessels from CMA CGM and Maersk being classed with IRS in 2025. Strengthening its Middle East presence, IRS also inaugurated a new office in Saudi Arabia. Since January 2025, a total of 115 vessels of varied sizes and applications have been delivered under IRS class in India and overseas.
IRS continued to play a vital role in India’s defence maritime programmes as the Indian Navy progressed with fleet modernisation. A landmark achievement during the year was the completion of single classing for the Navy’s Fleet Support Ships—an unprecedented milestone for the country. The society also contributed to the delivery and commissioning of key naval platforms, including Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes, Survey Vessel Large, and Diving Support Vessels. In another notable first, IRS supervised the refit of submarine INS Sindhukirti, marking the first occasion an Indian classification society has overseen the refit of an EKM-class submarine.
Digital transformation remained a strategic priority for IRS in 2025. The society advanced the deployment of virtual twin technology for life-cycle assessment and 3D classification, while also developing predictive analytics and remote-ready solutions. IRS actively participated in international discussions on future propulsion technologies, including nuclear energy for commercial shipping, and took part in a specialist roundtable at London International Shipping Week focused on deep-sea decarbonisation and emerging safety frameworks.
Beyond seagoing shipping, IRS deepened its engagement in inland waterways through a collaborative feasibility study with Rhenus Logistics India. The society also reinforced best practices in ship recycling by hosting a seminar on safe and sustainable recycling at Bhavnagar.
Commenting on the performance, Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman of IRS, said that the organisation’s achievements in 2025 reflect growing confidence and trust across both defence and commercial sectors. He noted that as regulations, technologies, and fuel strategies continue to evolve, IRS is strengthening its capabilities and research partnerships to deliver future-ready technical assurance.
Looking ahead to 2026, IRS anticipates sustained growth in demand for advanced technical services across defence and commercial shipping, increased naval project activity, wider adoption of digital classification tools, and growing interest in alternative fuels such as hydrogen, biofuels, and methanol.