Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (一般財団法人日本海事協会), also known by it s brand name ClassNK, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization ship classification society. ClassNK is one of the seven founding members of the International Association of Classification Societies, otherwise known as IACS.

Background

ClassNK had classified 6,793 ships with a total of 152.22 million gross tons, representing about 20% of the world merchant fleet currently under class. Although based in Japan, its surveyors work at shipbuilding and repair yards and ports around the world, examining ships wherever they are needed. On November 15, 1999, it celebrated its 100th anniversary. On May 28, 2012, ClassNK officially announced that its register had surpassed the 200 million gross ton mark, making it the world's first class society in history with more than 200 million gross tons on its register.

Activities

Service offered by ClassNK include ship classification surveys, statutory surveys, and certification on behalf of Flag States based on international conventions, codes, national statutes, and its own rules and regulations. The organization also provides assessment and certification services for the safety management systems of ship management companies and the quality systems of ship builders and related manufacturers, acting as an independent third party. In addition, it offers appraisal, consulting, and supervisory services for both marine and non-marine related projects.

Ship classification related services

Statutory services

Assessment and registration services

Technical services