Pratik Bijlani –
On 5th December, ClassNK successfully conducted a high-impact technical seminar at the Hilton Hotel, Mumbai, bringing together key maritime professionals for an in-depth exchange on regulatory developments, emerging fuel technologies and operational compliance shaping the future of global shipping. The well-attended seminar featured three focused technical presentations addressing alternative fuels, the cost implications of the IMO’s mid-term measures, and evolving Port State Control (PSC) trends. Participants gained valuable insights into both the environmental and commercial realities confronting shipowners and operators as the industry accelerates toward decarbonisation and tighter compliance frameworks.
The event was attended by senior ClassNK representatives including Mr Yoshiya Yamaguchi, Executive Vice President; Mr Yoichi Iga, Regional Manager; Mr Sumithran Sampath, General Manager; Mr Daisuke Shiraki, Manager (Business Dept.); Mr Shwetabh Sharma, Surveyor; and Mr Kohki Ohnishi of ClassNK’s Business Department; alongside other industry stakeholders.
The opening presentation on recent developments in alternative fuels was delivered by Mr Shiraki, who highlighted the rapid momentum building across the global fleet toward cleaner propulsion solutions. He detailed the strong growth in alternative-fuelled vessels over the past six months, with 127 new vessels adding 11.3 million gross tonnes, largely driven by LNG, Methanol and LPG fuels. Methanol’s growing share, especially across container vessels, tankers and bulk carriers, underscored rising industry confidence. He further outlined ClassNK’s expanding portfolio of Methanol, Ammonia and Hydrogen fuelled vessels, including ammonia-fuelled tugboats and the recent delivery of a hydrogen-fuelled tug capable of cutting CO₂ emissions by 60%. Battery and hybrid systems, wind-assisted propulsion, air lubrication and onboard carbon capture technologies were also covered as key enablers of efficiency.
Summarising the broader shift, Mr Shiraki stated, “ClassNK’s journey reflects the industry’s evolution itself—advancing from traditional classification into a global leader driving the safe adoption of alternative fuels, cutting-edge energy-saving technologies and future-ready decarbonisation solutions for the maritime sector.”
In the second presentation, Mr Ohnishi examined the financial and operational impact of the IMO’s mid-term GHG reduction measures through detailed cost simulations. He explained the IMO’s updated 2023 GHG strategy targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 and highlighted how lifecycle GHG intensity, fuel regulations and the IMO Net-Zero Fund will reshape operating economics. Simulation models revealed that for a 64,000 DWT bulk carrier, regulatory costs could reach 28% of fuel costs by 2028 and potentially match annual fuel expenses by 2035. Various mitigation strategies including fuel-efficiency improvements, slow steaming and blended fuel use were explored as practical tools to manage rising costs. Emphasising the commercial implications, Mr Ohnishi remarked, “The path to net-zero shipping will demand not only cleaner fuels, but smarter strategies—where cost simulation, fuel efficiency, and regulatory preparedness become as critical as engineering itself.”
On PSC-related statistics and trends Mr Sharma focused on demystifying inspections and improving shipboard readiness. Drawing from Tokyo and Paris MOU data for 2024, he highlighted inspection volumes, detention trends and key deficiency areas, with fire safety and ISM compliance remaining major concerns. The introduction of ClassNK’s PSC Intelligence Program, a free digital platform providing real-time inspection data, checklists and risk trends, emerged as a major highlight for operators. In conclusion, Mr Sharma emphasized, “In today’s regulatory environment, compliance is no longer about reacting to inspections — it is about anticipating risk, strengthening preparedness, and turning data-driven insights into safer, detention-free operations.”
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr Sampath, followed by cocktails and dinner. Overall, the event reinforced ClassNK’s commitment to supporting the maritime sector with forward-looking technical guidance, helping industry stakeholders navigate the complex intersection of decarbonisation, regulation and operational excellence.
Marex Media