In mid-July 2025, the China Classification Society (CCS) hosted a major international summit in Beijing, bringing together over 80 representatives from global maritime organizations, regulatory bodies, shipowners, and shipyards, reports Container News.
The summit, held alongside the 91st Council meeting of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), focused on two of the industry’s most pressing priorities: decarbonization and digitalization.
Decarbonization and Digitalization in the Maritime Industry
Under the theme “Navigating Decarbonization and Digitalization in the Maritime Industry,” the event was chaired by CCS Senior Vice President Cai Yanxian. He opened the summit by emphasizing the urgency of collaboration and innovation to meet international climate goals while advancing digital transformation across maritime operations.
A series of keynote presentations highlighted global efforts to align maritime practices with sustainability and technological advancement. Sveinung Oftedal, Chair of the IMO Intersessional Working Group on GHG Reduction, provided updates on the latest decisions from MEPC 83. He outlined upcoming regulatory changes, including the expansion of Carbon Intensity Indicators (CIIs), the evolution of a net-zero emissions framework, and new standards for greenhouse gas fuel intensity.
Cheah Aun Aun, Director of Marine at Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), shared Singapore’s strategy, emphasizing a people-centric approach to regulation. He detailed the country’s progress in methanol and ammonia bunkering, training seafarers for alternative fuel systems, and the use of drone technologies in port operations. His remarks underlined the importance of balancing innovation with workforce readiness and safety.
Wang Dongbo, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI), introduced a national roadmap that targets three major objectives: green and digital shipbuilding, development of intelligent and sustainable vessels, and expansion of green fuel infrastructure. He stressed the role of strategic collaboration among shipbuilders, government agencies, and classification societies in achieving these aims.
A panel discussion, moderated by IACS Secretary General Robert Ashdown, brought together key voices from the industry including IACS Council Chair Roberto Cazzulo. The panel explored regulatory frameworks for autonomous shipping, emphasized the need to retain a human-centered focus in the era of digital transformation, and examined the evolving technical challenges related to structural safety and vessel design.
A technical session, led by Cho Hyungmin, Chair of the IACS Hull Panel, focused on upcoming revisions to the Common Structural Rules. These changes are expected to influence how ships are designed to accommodate low- and zero-carbon fuels, while maintaining high safety and efficiency standards. Experts discussed how these structural updates will align with the growing demand for green vessels and new propulsion technologies.
Closing the summit, Cai Yanxian acknowledged the complexity of the maritime sector’s transition but voiced strong optimism. He reiterated the commitment of CCS and IACS to driving innovation, ensuring global regulatory coherence, and fostering a future maritime ecosystem that is cleaner, smarter, and safer.
This high-level summit underscored a shared determination across the industry to work together in accelerating both decarbonization and digital transformation. As the maritime world moves into a new era, such coordinated efforts will be essential to achieving lasting and meaningful change.
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Source: Container News
