Currently, the R&D and application of new technologies such as green, low-carbon, new energy, digitalization, and intelligence are hot topics in international maritime affairs. China Classification Society (CCS) has conducted in-depth research in these fields, and its achievements have been continuously applied in the industry. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also paid attention to the technological research and development achievements of CCS and maintained close communication with CCS.

Recently, at the invitation of CCS, Mr. Kitack Lim, the Secretary General of IMO, visited CCS. Accompanied by CCS President Sun Feng, Secretary Cai Yanxian, and Vice President Wang Hongwei, he visited the research and development institutions of CCS including the  intelligent laboratory and information center, listened to the latest scientific research achievements of CCS in green, intelligent, and digital inspection technologies, and exchanged views and made discussion on hot topics such as green technology, intelligent technology,  greenhouse gas emission reduction legislation, etc. with young CCS experts.  

Secretary General Kitack Lim expressed great interest in the latest scientific research achievements of CCS in greenness, intelligence, digitization and other fields, inquired about a large number of technical details, and highly appreciated the R&D achievements of CCS in the above fields. He stated that the research direction of CCS is also the focus of IMO, and hoped that CCS can share more research results with IMO and the international maritime community in a timely manner to jointly promote the green and sustainable development of international shipping, and improve the level of international shipping safety. He said that the application of new technologies in the future will promote the transformation of ship operation from dual mode of flag state and shipowner to the triangular mode of flag state, shipowner, and classification society. Classification societies will play a more important role in the shipping industry, and CCS will actively participate in more international technical exchanges and cooperation.  

Secretary General Kitack Lim acknowledged CCS’s support for the work of IMO. He said that China has played an increasingly important role in the process of formulating IMO convention and rules, and played a leading and driving role in relevant fields, with CCS providing strong technical support.  

Secretary General Kitack Lim has always been highly concerned about the role and development of classification societies, and expressed gratitude and recognition for the good communication and exchange maintained by CCS and IMO for a long time. This visit has allowed the two parties to further enhance their understanding through extensive and in-depth exchanges and positive and friendly interactive discussions. They have formed consensus on multiple hot topics, fully demonstrating the development concept and technological achievements of CCS.