The 2025 ranking of the world’s leading classification societies highlights a sector undergoing rapid change. While the maritime industry pushes toward decarbonisation, digitalisation, and new regulatory frameworks, class societies continue to expand their roles beyond traditional classification.
Overview of the 2025 Ranking
This year’s list shows a notable shift. ABS moved ahead of DNV to take the top position by gross tonnage in service. Meanwhile, CCS advanced from sixth to fifth place, replacing BV. These changes reflect broader movements within a rapidly transforming global fleet.
01. ABS: Advancing Safety, Nuclear Concepts and Alternative Fuels
During London International Shipping Week, the ABS chairman emphasised a single guiding question for innovation: “Does it make us safer?” That mindset influenced updates to its containership lashing notation, which now includes seasonality factors to give operators more flexibility.
ABS also strengthened its focus on nuclear-powered concepts. Two nuclear projects received Approval in Principle in 2025. One proposed a 15,000 TEU containership using a molten salt reactor and a supercritical carbon dioxide power system. Another explored a floating nuclear power barge aimed at supporting port infrastructure or coastal communities. The society also published a study examining floating nuclear power data centres.
Beyond nuclear topics, ABS broadened its work in synthetic fuels, dual-fuel solutions, and ammonia safety. It also developed new simulation tools for lithium-ion thermal runaway to improve fire-risk understanding on vehicle carriers. By the end of 2025, ABS will be prepared for a leadership transition as its long-serving chairman moves toward retirement.
02. DNV: Mapping the Fuel Transition and Efficiency Pathways
DNV’s latest Maritime Forecast to 2050 describes an industry reshaped by regulation and technology. Although the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework was delayed, DNV stressed the need for timely certification mechanisms and incentives for early adopters of new fuels.
Its data shows that deliveries of alternative-fuel-ready vessels will more than double by 2028. By 2030, these ships could consume around 50 million tonnes of non-oil fuels each year. The report notes competitive pressure for low-emission fuels and calls for coordination across sectors. DNV also highlighted immediate opportunities through efficiency measures such as wind-assisted propulsion, digital optimisation, and onboard carbon-capture systems.
03. ClassNK: New Leadership and Expanding Technical Capabilities
ClassNK entered a significant transition in 2025 as its new president brought four decades of experience to the role. He outlined a strategy focused on meeting shifting industry needs during a period of environmental and digital transformation.
Throughout the year, the society expanded its activities beyond traditional classification. It opened a Tech Expertise Centre in Piraeus and advanced its endorsement methodology for early certification of new technologies. ClassNK also broadened its advisory tools, including its Fleet Cost Simulation service, which helps operators assess regulatory impacts under FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System.
04 / Lloyd’s Register: A Year of Strategic Milestones
Lloyd’s Register returned to its historic London headquarters after extensive refurbishment. The reopening aligned with London International Shipping Week and included a royal visit. Earlier in 2025, the organisation launched its global LR Advisory Service, bringing experts together to support decarbonisation, digital transformation, and regulatory adaptation.
LR also introduced a Biofuel Advisory Service and announced an AI-based collaboration with Microsoft to streamline permitting processes for maritime nuclear applications. Additional highlights included advances in alternative fuels, wind-propulsion classification and antifouling innovation. Under its chief executive, LR also launched a Cruise Ship Centre of Expertise and released the Global Maritime Trends 2025 Barometer.
05. CCS: Expanding Global Reach and Low-Carbon Initiatives
The China Classification Society experienced major leadership changes in 2025. Its new chairman guided the organisation through a year marked by decarbonisation, digitalisation, and international expansion. CCS published the China Sustainable Shipping Fuel Development Report 2025, analysing trends in emerging marine fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, and biofuels.
The society also reached technical milestones. These included providing a class for the first methanol dual-fuel engine designed for a very large crude carrier and delivering ultra-low-temperature refrigerated cargo vessels. CCS strengthened its digital presence through the Digital and Intelligent Forum and expanded its international services with a new operation centre in Shanghai.
06. Bureau Veritas: Driving Innovation in Alternative Fuels and Technology
Bureau Veritas continued supporting next-generation maritime technologies. Its president released a new book calling for systemic collaboration across financial, regulatory, and technical sectors to advance a sustainable blue economy.
BV issued several AiPs for hydrogen and ammonia fuel-cell projects. It also supported ammonia-bunkering developments and wind-propulsion solutions. The society maintained strong involvement in LNG and methanol bunkering vessels and provided a class for new sail-powered cargo projects. A leadership transition within BV’s Asia-Pacific region is planned for early 2026.
07. Korean Register: Advancing Smart and Low-Carbon Ship Technologies
The Korean Register worked closely with domestic shipbuilders to develop digital and sustainable solutions. These included a Smart Accommodation System to enhance crew comfort and improve cyber resilience. Partnerships also advanced AI-driven design tools for structural assessments.
The organisation collaborated on designs for large ammonia carriers and innovative LNG carriers. It also progressed ammonia safety projects, including double-wall fuel pipe systems. Through joint working groups, KR contributed to standards for ammonia effluent discharge.
08. Rina: Strengthening Innovation and Zero-Carbon Pathways
Rina announced multiple collaborations that support emissions reduction. It partnered on the Sustainable Maritime Transport Outlook and contributed to major retrofit projects aiming to cut fuel use and waste generation.
The society granted AiPs for dual-fuel bulk carrier designs and advanced CO2-carrier concepts. It also expanded its innovation ecosystem through seven new Open Innovation Hubs created as collaborative centres for technology development.
09. Indian Register of Shipping: Green Technologies and Digital Integration
The Indian Register of Shipping accelerated its shift toward green, autonomous, and digital solutions. It supported projects involving hydrogen-fuel vessels and unmanned craft, and conducted biofuel trials across various ship types.
IRS also partnered with Dassault Systèmes to introduce virtual-twin capabilities for ship lifecycle assessment. The organisation strengthened its role in defence shipbuilding, supporting projects for diving support vessels, fleet support ships, and corvettes.
10. Polish Register of Shipping: Regulation, Autonomy and Global Expansion
The Polish Register of Shipping continued modernising its rule framework. It expanded its high-speed craft classification rules to include catamarans, enabling new services for offshore workboats and crew-transfer vessels.
PRS also advanced guidelines for autonomous and automated systems. It expanded its certification activities and increased its presence across Asia and the Middle East through new partnerships.
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Source: Port News
