Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) - Experts & Thought Leaders

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has undertaken the certification of indigenously developed marine components for defence projects, marking a significant milestone in enhancing defence and maritime manufacturing capabilities within the country. The product certifications were conducted in compliance with national and international standards/specifications. A fouling-release coating Among the projects validated and certified is a fouling-release coating, developed by DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL). This advanced coating is designed to inhibit fouling due to marine growth when applied on the underwater portion of hulls of ships and submarines. It is currently undergoing user trials, and the technology will soon be transferred to manufacturers for mass production. Environmental safety standards A fully automated Marine Sewage Treatment Plant developed by M/s. Krasny Defence Technologies Ltd. A fully automated Marine Sewage Treatment Plant developed by M/s. Krasny Defence Technologies Ltd. has been recently certified by IRS, to ensure compliance with environmental safety standards. Further, an "Intelligent Weld Inspector" has been developed by M/s. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd., a Defence Public Sector Undertaking. This is a rule-based AI algorithm that automates the recognition of weld defects by analysing computerised radiography images, thereby improving precision in non-destructive testing of welds and acceptance by class. AI-based Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) sensor Also, M/s. QED Analytical LLP has designed an AI-based Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) sensor for wire rope testing, which utilises permanent magnets and ‘Hall effect’ sensors to detect flaws in steel wire ropes, thereby ensuring their safety and reliability. The certification process involved close collaboration between the IRS and the developers, including comprehensive technology assessments, the development of quality assurance measures, and satisfactory performance trials witnessed by experts. ‘Make in India’ initiative Cdr KK Dhawan, Head Defence IRS, stated, "It is a matter of great pride for IRS to collaborate with Indian industry partners for certifying indigenously developed products for the defence and maritime industry." "The growing synergy between Indian manufacturers and IRS marks a positive step forward in the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India by fostering innovation and self-reliance in the defence and maritime sectors."

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) have entered into an umbrella agreement aimed at developing indigenous technologies and enhancing the capabilities of both organisations. As part of this initiative, IRS and CSL have signed a separate cooperation agreement for the development and certification of an autonomous vessel named ‘SWAYAT,’ which is being constructed at CSL as a fully indigenous pilot project. IRS Guidelines on Cyber Safety Key technology partners include KPIT and other Indian manufacturers specialising in autonomous systems and components. The vessel will be verified in accordance with IRS Guidelines on Autonomous and Remotely Operated Vessels, ensuring compliance with the highest standards. In addition, the cyber security aspects will be addressed as per the IRS Guidelines on Maritime Cyber Safety. The project also includes the certification of an indigenously developed navigation and communication suite, which will be verified by IRS. Collaboration with pioneering academic and research institutions will play a key role in design and simulation studies for the vessel. Advanced technologies Mr. T K Sahu, Joint MD of IRS stated, “It is a matter of great pride for IRS to be part of this prestigious project with CSL and their industry partners. This initiative demonstrates India’s indigenous capabilities in advanced technologies and aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission." "We believe the experience gained through this pilot project will further strengthen our processes for certifying vessels with advanced autonomy.”

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have successfully completed India’s first training and certification program in deep diving and underwater welding, underscoring a pioneering milestone in the country’s efforts to build a skilled workforce for underwater asset maintenance. Following the agreement between IRS and TIH IIT Guwahati in 2023, the training was held at the Neel Diving Academy, Kochi, where trainers from both IRS and TIH IIT Guwahati jointly conducted the theoretical and practical sessions. Series of technical evaluations Participants underwent rigid underwater welding drills, which included a series of technical evaluations Participants underwent rigorous underwater welding exercises, which included a series of technical evaluations. Their work samples were subsequently tested, and upon meeting stringent quality and safety standards, the participants were awarded certificates recognising their proficiency in underwater welding. “This course is a pioneering effort to equip our workforce with underwater wet welding capabilities along with deep water diving, which will be instrumental in supporting India’s critical oil, gas, and shipping infrastructure,” said Dr Asokendu Samanta, Divisional Head of R&D at IRS. Advancing specialised maritime skills Chair Professor, Technology Innovation and Development Foundation, IIT Guwahati: Prof. N R Mandal added: “The program's success marks a critical step forward for IRS and TIH IIT Guwahati, both in advancing specialised maritime skills and enhancing India’s capabilities in underwater asset maintenance.” IIT Guwahati Director Prof. Devendra Jalihal said, “This is an important and first-of-its-kind skill development program in India that combines academic rigour with practical expertise. We are delighted to partner with IRS to foster capabilities essential for the nation’s maritime and energy sectors.”  This initiative aligns with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), providing India’s oil and gas and shipping sectors with vital underwater wet welding expertise.