Pratik Bijlani –
On 18th September, ClassNK marked an important milestone as it celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Mumbai office with a grand event at the Hotel Trident, Mumbai. The occasion brought together leading figures from the maritime fraternity, including shipowners, ship managers, regulators, and industry stakeholders, all gathered to commemorate four decades of service and contribution to India’s shipping industry. Since its establishment in 1985, the ClassNK Mumbai office has been a cornerstone of support for Indian shipowners and shipyards, providing world-class classification, certification, and technical advisory services. Over the years, it has grown into a trusted partner, contributing significantly to India’s rise as a global maritime power.
The evening’s celebrations highlighted ClassNK’s enduring commitment to safety, quality, and innovation, while also emphasizing its role in advancing sustainable shipping practices and environmental responsibility. The event began with a warm welcome address by Mr Sumithran Sampath, General Manager at ClassNK, who also served as Master of Ceremonies. He underscored ClassNK’s position as a global leader with over 9,500 ships under its class, extended a heartfelt welcome to President & CEO Mr Hayato Suga and senior executives, and acknowledged the efforts of the teams behind a special video presentation that showcased ClassNK’s 40-year journey in India.
In his keynote speech, Mr Suga reflected on ClassNK’s longstanding ties with India, which date back to the 1950s when the organization established its first global technical committee in the country. He traced the expansion from the Mumbai office in 1985 to the establishment of five offices across India, highlighting milestones such as drawing approval functions and successful newbuilding projects. Expressing gratitude to employees, clients, and partners, he reinforced the organization’s vision of supporting India’s ambition to emerge as a top five shipbuilding nation by 2047, with an emphasis on collaboration and sustainability. “This anniversary is not just a reflection of the past but the beginning of a new voyage we hope to undertake hand-in-hand with all of you,” said Mr Suga, capturing the forward-looking spirit of the occasion.
Following this, Mr. Manish Jha, Chairman of ClassNK Indian Technical Committee, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Mumbai office, drawing a personal parallel with his own 40-year journey in shipping. He commended the office’s role as a valued partner for shipowners, ship managers, shipyards, and training institutes, emphasizing how ClassNK’s audits have added value and contributed to the growth and recognition of institutions across the nation. Sharing his insights on collaborative R&D, he highlighted successful initiatives such as the SEEMS system, which gained international recognition after receiving ClassNK’s innovation endorsement. “Today, with confidence, I can say that ClassNK Mumbai office has become a trusted partner for ship owners, ship managers, shipyards, ship recycling yards and many other stakeholders” he said, underlining the institution’s widespread impact.
The celebration also featured a gesture of goodwill from Mr. Thimira S. Godakumbura, Managing Director of Colombo Dockyard PLC, who presented a small token of appreciation to Mr. Suga. The evening concluded with dinner and drinks, offering attendees an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of ClassNK Mumbai while looking ahead to its continued contribution to India’s maritime growth story.
Hayato Suga, President & CEO of ClassNK, earned his bachelor’s degree in Ocean Engineering from Hiroshima University in 1986 and joined the society the same year. Over the course of his distinguished career, he gained expertise in plan approval and on-site surveys, later managing survey activities across Europe and Africa from the London Office. Upon returning to Japan, he played a pivotal role in the development of tanker standards and served as both member and chairperson of the Tanker Structure Co-operative Forum. He went on to hold senior leadership positions, including Director of the Plan Approval Division and Director of the Planning Division, before being appointed Executive Vice President in 2022 and Senior Executive Vice President in 2024.
Reflecting on the rapidly evolving maritime landscape, Mr. Suga observes: “The business environment is changing rapidly, with boundaries between industries becoming increasingly blurred due to environmental challenges and digital transformation. In response, our mission is to provide certification and related services in a timely manner to meet these diverse and fast-evolving needs—just like a top sushi chef serves the finest ingredients at the perfect moment. By doing so, we aim to connect industries through trust and contribute to the sound development and sustainable operation of the maritime sector.”
Mr. Suga engages in an insightful dialogue with Mr Pratik Bijlani of Marex Media, elucidating his reflections on four decades of experience, his vision for the future, strategies for bolstering India’s shipbuilding sector, the translation of strategic intent into tangible outcomes, stewardship of maritime investments, and the provision of pragmatic industry perspectives.
Reflecting on 40 Years, Looking Ahead…
We are truly pleased to mark the 40th anniversary of our Mumbai office. This milestone reflects our enduring commitment to the maritime industry—not only in Japan, but globally. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain dedicated to contributing meaningfully to the sector for decades to come. Whether over the next 8 years or the next 40, our focus will continue to be on advancing maritime excellence and collaboration.
Supporting India’s Shipbuilding Future…
Yes, particularly in the Indian context, we are keen to deepen cooperation with the maritime industry, local enterprises, and government stakeholders. Our core business currently centers on ship inspection, approval, and certification. Looking ahead, we aim to support the growth of India’s shipbuilding sector and offer timely support on emerging vessel types.
As a classification society, we operate as an independent third party and a non-profit organization. Our evolving role increasingly involves supporting industry development, helping to foster a more efficient and sustainable maritime ecosystem. We believe this contribution is vital to strengthening the industry’s long-term cycle of innovation and operational excellence.
Turning Strategy into Action…
While specific targets may not yet be guaranteed, they are actively pursued by policymakers and industry leaders alike. From our perspective, it is important to approach these ambitions with pragmatism. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has already taken several strategic steps, and it is now essential to translate these into practical, actionable measures. We believe that through steady implementation, meaningful results will follow.
Guiding Maritime Investment…
Before industry stakeholders make decisions regarding investment, collaboration, or placing orders, they require reliable estimations and tangible indicators. Practical actions must be accompanied by clear milestones and symbolic markers that signal progress and potential. Establishing these reference points is essential to fostering confidence and facilitating strategic decision-making within the maritime sector.
Delivering Practical Insight…
Here in Mumbai—and beyond—we have undertaken detailed investigations into emerging fuels and new maritime technologies. Our aim is not merely to provide surface-level information, but to deliver in-depth insights that are genuinely useful to shipowners and operators. We strive to ensure that our findings are both practical and thoughtfully presented, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions with confidence.
Marex Media