Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), an independent ship classification society providing ship classification and certification, has announced the setting up of a new regional office in Hong Kong, to serve the dynamic East Asia region.

The move to establish a new regional office in Hong Kong represents another significant step for IRClass in its efforts to become a global classification society, said a statement from the society.

This office is located in Hong Kong’s central business district and its areas of responsibility include the southern provinces of The People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Pacific Island Nations and the US Territory of Guam and Saipan, it said.

The region covers strategic maritime routes and major oil and gas production areas, it added.

This new region along with existing IRClass regions of South East Asia and Far East reflects the society’s strong and growing commitment to local ship owners. It also represents the latest stage in IRClass’ strategic expansion plan in key global territories to support International shipping, said a statement.

Suresh Sinha, managing director of IRClass, said: “This region covers countries with high economic growth, each with their unique cultural and business environments.”

“These countries are rich in resources and shipping is the main mode of transportation. Our objective is to bring best quality services at competitive prices particularly when shipping is going through a difficult phase,” he said.

“This new region will give IRClass close proximity to national administrations, ship owners, shipyards and other stake holders here and so enhance our ability to serve them better,” he added.

Via this new expansion, IRClass is now better positioned to offer ship classification services in this region, including other services like design validation of ships and offshore structures, technical inspection as well as certification of jack-up units, offshore platforms, sub-marine pipelines, plus inspection of machinery, equipment and systems.

Sinha added: “IRClass sees enormous potential in these countries, which is reflected in the establishment of a new region.”

“Our growth strategy includes further strengthening our presence in each of the countries in this region by building up local survey networks,” he concluded.

The Hong Kong office will be led by Krishanu Bhattacharya who has been based in Hong Kong for several years and has in-depth knowledge and work experience in the marine markets in the region, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service