Classification Society

China

ABS Leads 2025 Classification Societies Ranking, as CCS Rises and ClassNK Announces Leadership Shift

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has overtaken DNV to become the largest classification society by gross tonnage on Lloyd's List 2025 rankings, while China Classification Society (CCS) advanced from fifth place into sixth position. ClassNK appointed new leadership effective March 2025 while CCS signed an AIP with Silverstream Technologies for air lubrication tech - these trends signal innovation across top societies regarding nuclear propulsion technology, alternative fuels, and decarbonisation efforts.
United States

Classification Societies Advance Digital Innovation and Emissions Compliance Standards

Classification societies have markedly increased the level of regulatory and technical updates between November and December 2025, focussing on emission reporting deadlines, lifting appliance requirements and new technology approvals. Among these, the U.S. Coast Guard have published updates to their Alternate Compliance Program, and there are also revisions to SOLAS, among other guidance around lifting equipment.