At the 2026 North Bund Forum, China Classification Society (CCS) announced that two further centers had been inaugurated in Shanghai: the International Maritime Technology Innovation Center and the International Shipping Technical Cooperation Center. These are added to the International Ship Business Operation Center, which began operating in the city in 2025. With all three now in place, CCS will work to support Shanghai in strengthening its international shipping center and in building a world-class, comprehensive shipping hub.

Source: CCS

Deep Integration: Growing Together with Shanghai’s Industrial Chain

Shanghai offers a well-developed shipping ecosystem, first-class port infrastructure and a leading environment for maritime legal and shipping financial services. As a key link in the shipping industry and supply chain, CCS serves the shipping, shipbuilding and equipment manufacturing sectors as well as government agencies and financial and insurance institutions, and works closely with legal, broking, research and design organizations. In this way it acts as a hub and a technical backbone connecting upstream and downstream players.

As CCS brings its related business departments and research resources together in Shanghai, it will strengthen its International Maritime Technology Innovation Center and achieve closer integration with the industry chain, and build an ecosystem of mutual reinforcement and shared prosperity.

Shanghai is also a gathering point for international maritime organizations, global shipowners and flag state administrations, and has an active record of international maritime exchange. Drawing on these advantages, the International Shipping Technical Cooperation Center organizes high-level forums and maritime conferences to provide a platform for international maritime cooperation.

With the three centers in operation, China will be better placed to help develop international standards for green and smart ships, CCS will be able to strengthen its global business and operational capability, and high-end ship survey services can be offered alongside shipping finance, insurance and arbitration, supporting shipbuilding, shipping and offshore engineering industries.

Working as One: Survey, Standards and Exchange Form an Integrated Chain

The three centers support one another and work together as a system. The International Ship Business Operation Center works directly with shipowners and markets around the world, responding to client needs and providing services across the full life cycle of a ship. The International Maritime Technology Innovation Center focuses on technology development and standards work, providing the industry with a sound regulatory basis. The International Shipping Technical Cooperation center provides a platform for international dialogue and helps bring technical standards into line with international rules. Together they form an integrated chain that runs from market demand through technical standards to international engagement.

Since the International Ship Business Operation Center began operating, its round-the-clock emergency response system has been running continuously. It has delivered a number of demonstrable results in high-end ship survey, green-fuel-powered vessels and digital delivery. Business volume and client satisfaction have risen steadily, and the fleet it surveys in international trade maintains a sound safety record.

The International Maritime Technology Innovation Center will focus on fields such as green and low-carbon technology, smart ships, artificial intelligence and digital technology, and advanced ship and offshore equipment. Working with industry partners, it will advance technology development and standards work so that the technical framework keeps pace with the needs of green and smart technologies.

The International Shipping Technical Cooperation Center will deepen exchange and cooperation with international maritime organizations, flag state administrations and major shipping companies. It will also develop an international, professional shipping think tank that responds to industry development and decision-making needs, providing intellectual support for the development of the Shanghai International Shipping Center.

Looking Ahead: Stronger Global Services and Shared Solutions

Going forward, CCS will bring the three centers together to build up its global service capabilities in a more integrated way. On business footprint, it will continue to improve its global service network, strengthen its capabilities in high-end international ship survey and help keep international maritime supply chains stable and secure.

On technology, it will continue to focus on green, smart and digital fields, strengthen research, development and application, and support the global maritime transition.

On standards, guided by its science and technology plan, it will take an active part in the development of international standards and work to align Chinese technical solutions with international rules.

On digital transformation, it will continue to advance AI-enabled digitalization, using digital and intelligent integration to drive innovation in survey and service models.

On international cooperation, it will continue to deepen exchanges with key stakeholders, develop an international, professional shipping think tank, and provide high-quality decision-making support.

Working together, the three centers will build on Shanghai as their base and contribute Chinese wisdom and solutions to the sustainable development of the global shipping industry.