Pratik Bijlani –
On January 22, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) marked a significant milestone—its 50th anniversary—with a grand celebration held at The Westin Hotel in Mumbai. The event, part of IRClass’s year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations, was attended by prominent figures from the maritime industry, including government officials and corporate leaders. The celebration not only highlighted the organization’s achievements but also underscored its ongoing commitment to maritime safety, quality, and innovation.
The Chief guest of the event was Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways with key dignitaries of the industry like Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping; Capt BK Tyagi, CMD of SCI; Dr Pandurang Raut, Deputy Director at DG Shipping; Mr. Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman of IRClass; Mr PK Mishra, Managing Director at IRClass; Capt. MP Bhasin, Chairman of CMMI; Mr David Birwadkar, Chairman of IMEI Mumbai Branch; Capt SM Halbe, CEO of MASSA; Ms Sanjam Sahi Gupta, Founder of Maritime SheEO and many other notable personalities also attending the event.
The event began with a lamp lighting ceremony followed by a heartfelt welcome speech from Mr. Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman of IRClass. He honored the visionaries behind the founding of IRClass, particularly Sir Ramaswamy Mudaliar, whose efforts paved the way for its establishment in 1975. Mr. Sharma reflected on IRClass’s remarkable journey, emphasizing the organization’s milestones, such as becoming an IACS associate in 1991 and achieving full membership in 2010. He also spoke about the diversification of IRClass into new industrial sectors, including the upcoming listing of ISSPL. “Today, as we celebrate 50 years of IRS, we honor the visionaries and pioneers who built this organization brick by brick, overcoming uncertainties and laying the foundation for a first-class, quality-driven institution,” Mr. Sharma remarked.
A video depicting IRClass’s 50-year journey was then shown, highlighting the organization’s growth from its inception to its current global recognition. The video illustrated the challenges and triumphs over the decades, including IRClass’s involvement in green shipping initiatives and its pivotal role in the digital transformation of the maritime industry.
Cdr. K.K. Dhawan, Chief Surveyor at IRClass, further elaborated on the organization’s evolution, citing key milestones such as classing its first ship in 1975 and gaining major international recognition, including from the European Union in 2016 and the U.S. Coast Guard in 2020. He highlighted the expansion of IRClass’s global presence with a fleet of over 2,300 ships and offices worldwide, underscoring its contributions to maritime safety, environmental sustainability, and digital innovation.
The event also included the unveiling of two commemorative publications: a coffee table book celebrating IRClass’s legacy and the second volume of their special edition magazine, Touch of Class. These publications serve as a testament to IRClass’s journey and its impact on the global maritime industry.
Mr Jagannathan introduced the upcoming National Maritime Games, an initiative inspired by the “Khelo India” program. Mr Jagannathan emphasized the importance of camaraderie and sportsmanship in the maritime sector, calling for widespread participation from all age groups. This was followed by the unveiling of the National Maritime Games 2025 logo, which was done by the chief guest, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, in the presence of industry stalwarts.
In his inspiring speech, Mr Sonowal lauded IRClass for its exceptional service to the maritime industry over the past five decades. “Fifty years of remarkable service to the maritime industry is an extraordinary achievement, reflecting the dedication, innovation, and excellence that the Indian Register of Shipping has consistently demonstrated since its inception,” he said. Shri Sonowal also highlighted the alignment of IRClass’s initiatives with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global maritime leader, emphasizing the role of innovation, sustainability, and youth empowerment in achieving these goals.
The event concluded with a thrilling musical performance by Mohammed Danish, famous for his stint on Indian Idol, followed by cocktails and a lavish dinner. IRClass’s 50th anniversary celebration not only commemorated past achievements but also set the stage for an exciting future, with the organization poised to continue its leadership in the maritime industry.
Marex Media