In over 60 years, China Classification Society (CCS) has gone from surveying its very first ship to becoming a first-class international classification organization authorized by 55 national and regional governments. Our mission revolves around promoting maritime safety, protecting the environment and creating value for clients and society. We are proud of our achievements to date and excited to bring the story of CCS to an even wider audience.

From today we will be sharing details of the many exciting developments taking place within CCS via LinkedIn, Twitter and CCS website.

Over the coming days and months we will be publishing updates on our latest survey work, innovative research projects, scientific and technological breakthroughs, new rules and guidelines, and recently established international partnerships. We will also be sharing papers written by CCS’ research specialists, focusing on hot industry topics.

CCS was formally established in 1956 and since then the society has spared no effort in providing advanced, safe, green and applicable rules for the industry. We have promoted the upgrading of shipping, shipbuilding and related industries, and their competitiveness, through new technology and new standards.

In the earliest days of the society, not long after the nation was founded, China’s shipping industry was in urgent need of restructuring. CCS published the first set of rules for seagoing ships in 1959 but the new era only began in earnest the following year. In December 1960, CCS completed the classification survey of ocean-going passenger ship MV Guang Hua, issuing the first International Safety Certificate to a Chinese-flagged vessel.

CCS became a full member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) in 1988 and is today one of the fastest-growing classification societies in the world. We broke through the 100 million ton barrier for the first time in 2016, and by the end of 2020 the size of our serviced fleet reached 32054 ships, with a gross tonnage of 163 million tons. Our offshore engineering installation services division and industrial certification division have also both enjoyed strong growth.

CCS’ focus on scientific and technological innovation has led to the establishment of two institutes and six research centres, enabling successful studies into green technology, intelligent technology, high value-added ship technology and maritime technology.

We have succeeded in strengthening our position as a world-class classification society by continually expanding our global reach and cementing ties with international maritime industry organizations. Through these roles we supported significant advances in key areas.

CCS’ worldwide presence continues to grow, supported most recently by new service offices in Abu Dhabi, Manila and St. Petersburg. These openings have taken the total number of CCS' overseas service offices to 45.

To achieve success it is necessary to tackle adversity. Throughout our history we have worked hard, overcome difficulties and celebrated many significant achievements as a result. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented the world with a challenge like no other. Recent months have brought tragedy and uncertainty, but there is also hope to be found in the way communities have come together. CCS continues to monitor the unfolding situation and we will work side-by-side with our customers and industry partners, remaining resolute as we confront the difficulties ahead.

Safety,  environment protection, creating value for clients and bringing benefit to society will always remain at the heart of everything we do. We invite you to follow CCS’ progress through CCS website and via social media as we strive to create a better future along the journey of building a first-rate classification society.