Indian Register of Shipping Sets Sail in Korea with First-Classed Passenger Ferry

The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has marked a significant milestone in its international expansion by launching its first-ever Korean-classed vessel. This move signals the classification society’s growing global influence and its increasing recognition among international shipowners. The vessel, an inter-island passenger ferry, was launched at Mokpo, South Korea. It is currently under construction by Miraero Shipbuilding Ltd. and is owned by Dea Bu Marine Transport Ltd., a prominent name in Korea’s coastal passenger transport sector.

This passenger ferry has been designed specifically to serve Korea’s inter-island routes and will play a critical role in connecting remote communities. What makes this launch particularly notable is that, although vessels operating solely in Korean waters are not legally required to be classed, the shipowner voluntarily selected the Indian Register of Shipping as its classification partner. This strategic decision demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in IRS’s capabilities and highlights its growing reputation outside India.

The ferry is scheduled to undergo a range of important classification activities in the coming weeks. These include an inclining experiment and comprehensive sea trials, all of which will be conducted under the oversight of IRS in collaboration with the Korean Flag Administration. The vessel is expected to be delivered to the owner by the end of June 2025. These trials will not only validate the vessel’s design and stability but will also ensure that it adheres to the highest standards of maritime safety and performance.

The success of this project is seen as a testament to IRS’s technical expertise and operational excellence. It reflects the classification society’s strategic focus on expanding its global footprint by entering new markets and aligning with shipowners who value precision, safety, and compliance. Industry observers are viewing this as a pivotal moment for IRS, as it breaks into a market that is traditionally dominated by local or regional classification societies.

For IRS, this is more than just a single project — it represents a doorway into broader opportunities in the East Asian maritime industry. As global shipping companies seek classification partners that offer flexibility, technical depth, and a forward-looking approach, IRS appears to be positioning itself as a credible and competitive player. The trust shown by Dea Bu Marine Transport in this collaboration is likely to encourage other operators in the region to consider IRS as a viable option for future classifications. The successful delivery of this ferry could be the beginning of many such ventures in the region.