The Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) has announced the creation of a separate department ‘IRClass Digital’ to boost digitalisation efforts in the shipping industry.

IRClass Digital will see a dedicated team under the aegis of its executive chairman’s office focus on connected ship and smart infrastructure, online information and access management, automated immersive design simulation and validation, smart emergency response system, use of Digital Twin concept, and real time condition monitoring.

The IRClass Digital initiative aims to build a world class digital framework based on 4 key pillars – technology, people, processes, and open innovation. Through this digital platform, IRClass plans to offer remote vessel and fleet monitoring, performance and voyage optimisation, remote maintenance assistance, predictive maintenance, condition monitoring and a slew of other services.

IRClass has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Smart Ship Hub to offer its services through a unified digital platform.  

Mr. Arun Sharma, executive chairman of IRClass said: “We believe that a collaborative approach to digitalisation in shipping is a proactive way forward for the maritime community. As technological adoption in shipping is progressing rapidly, IRClass is well-positioned to offer value added services. This tie-up with Smart Ship Hub to develop ‘IRClass-Digital’ allows us to offer fully integrated and technology enabled service offerings to our customers and stakeholders.”