KR (Korean Register) is pleased to announce that LEE Jungkun, General Manager of KR’s Convention & Legislation Service Team, has been elected as the next Chair of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Safety Panel, with a three-year term running from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028. The appointment was confirmed at the 91st IACS Council Meeting held in Beijing, China.

KR has published a new technical report on Fuel Cell Systems in Maritime Applications, providing guidance to support the safe and efficient design of fuel cell-powered vessels. As the shipping industry accelerates efforts toward decarbonization, hydrogen is drawing attention as a clean energy source that produces no greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, fuel cells are regarded as a promising technology with potential for improved durability and reduced production costs compared to conventional engines or generators.

With the growing global emphasis on energy security and environmental regulations, the offshore plant industry is entering a new era of transition. Over the past decade, South Korea’s shipbuilding and offshore industry has faced a severe recession due to prolonged low oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recent increases in international oil prices, combined with the implementation of carbon-reducing policies and eco-friendly vessel orders, present new opportunities for growth. In particular, the utilization rates of FPSOs (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading) and MOPUs (Mobile Offshore Production Units) have slightly increased, while Korea’s top three shipyards have already secured order backlogs exceeding three years, mainly for LNG carriers.

The purpose of new SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13, adopted by Res.MSC.532(107) in 2023 and coming into force on 1 January 2026, is to enhance the safety of lifting appliances and anchor handling winches on ships by enforcing design, construction, operation and maintenance requirements in accordance with MSC.1/Circ. 1662 and MSC.1/Circ.1663, with the aim of preventing accidents that could harm operators, damage ships, or result in cargo loss.