With excitement and enthusiasm, we are stepping into the historic moment of CCS' 50th Anniversary. On this occasion, I would like, on behalf of all CCS staff, to extend our heartfelt gratitude to leaders and friends from the industries of maritime affairs, shipbuilding, communications and transportation, certification and accreditation as well as insurance both at home and abroad for your assistance and support to CCS!
        Since its inception after the founding of New China, CCS has been growing under China¡¯s transport development, expanding in the process of reform and opening up, and getting stronger in face of the challenges of the new century. In 1956, when the Register of Shipping of PRC (ZC) was founded, it began to carry out class-related activities actively, which symbolized the start of New China's independent ship survey business and greatly promoted the rapid development of our country's shipping and shipbuilding industries. To adapt itself to the trend of international maritime development, CCS began to put up its own plate in 1986, and joined the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) as a full member in 1988. Following the reform of the maritime safety administrative institutional system initiated by the MOC in
1998, CCS was formally separated from ZC with functions clearly divided between government and institution, and thus fully integrated itself into the international practices. The reform made an unprecedented success.After entering the 21st century, CCS survey network has covered the whole globe and its classed fleet has exceeded 2.2 million in gross tonnage. In addition, CCS has offered strong support to oil exploitation, industrial production, engineering supervision, risk assessment, new energy research and development, and has successfully created a land-based classification society. A promising and influential class society is rising with vigor and vitality. In half a century's arduous work, CCS has undergone the development from a technically weak organization to a strong one with a pool of elites, from a domestically focused organization to an internationally reputed one. The struggling course of CCS is worth retrospect and pondering, because it carries the most precious spiritual wealth that is needed for CCS future development.
       Today, when thinking over the struggling course full of trials and hardships, we feel overwhelmed by happiness, sentiment, astonishment, gratitude, pride and expectation. On the slipway with splashing welding sparks and at the port with thousands of ships ready for sail, our surveyors are fulfilling their duties faithfully, day or night, regardless of chilly winter or broiling summer; in the quiet testing locations and in the volatile international arena, our research people are breaking through brambles and thorns to strive for perfection and enthusiastically dedicating themselves to serve the country. The arduous efforts have brought about great success. This year will witness CCS¡¯ taking over the IACS chairmanship for a second time, and playing an increasingly important role in the future.
        However, all this is not accidental. Our achievements would not be possible without earnest instructions and kind concern from our superior leaders, and the strong and generous support from the shipbuilding and shipping industries. Hereby, I would like, on behalf of CCS, to extend our sincere thanks to the leaders, the shipbuilding and shipping industries and the colleagues from international maritime community. In addition, I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the doyen, the senior experts and the senior staff who have ever worked for CCS! It is you who laid a solid foundation for CCS and successfully created a historic brilliance with your youth and passion, wisdom and talent, diligence and persistence.
        Presently, China¡¯s shipbuilding and shipping industries are developing at an unprecedented speed and the rise of global maritime industries is calling on CCS. Based on the current achievements, CCS will stick to the orientation of ¡°building the Society upon technology and trust¡±, and strive to be a first-rate international classification society which is highly internationalized, technically innovative and greatly influential in the public interests. I believe, the vigorous young generation will inherit and carry on CCS spirit, seize new opportunities, welcome new challenges and make new brilliant achievements with their imperishable passion, persistent pursuit and unusual pioneering undertaking.
 
Chairman and President