62 years after its establishment, KR awarded a special memorial plaque to G.FUTURE, the very vessel that was classed at the moment of KR achieving 80 million GT 

KR has announced that on 10 November, the classification society achieved 80.12 million tons for the first time in its history.   

Considering its foundation in 1962 with just 4,875 GT and only two vessels classed, achieving 80 million GT is a notable achievement for KR. After marking 70 million tons in 2020, KR’s class tonnage has increased by 10 million tons in just only two and a half years, setting a record of achieving its year-end target of 80 million tons early.

Since the announcement of 「VISION 2025」 in 2019, setting a goal to achieve 100 million tons, KR has recorded a growth rate of about 5.72% in classing fleet over the past three years, showing about 4.8 times higher growth than before.

Among the many factors driving the growth of classed fleets were the newbuilds of very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and container ships, as well as strong sales in overseas markets attracting existing vessels from international shipowners.

KR has also been focused on improving the safety of registered vessels, digitalizing inspection systems, securing future technologies, and offering specialized services, among other enhancements. These have all advanced customer service and proven high technology, earning customers' trust.

KR Chairman & CEO LEE Hyungchul said, “The achievement of 80 million tons is all thanks to the trust of our customers in KR’s dedicated customer service and active sales. This success reflects the tremendous dedication and efforts of our KR colleagues to meet the evolving needs of the maritime industry.”

At the special press conference, KR awarded a commemorative plaque to HMM's G.FUTURE ship; the KR classed ship at the time of reaching 80 million GT and prayed for safe sailing for the ship and crew.

Image shows KR Chairman & CEO LEE Hyungchul (left) 

and Head of HMM Maritime Division KIM Kyubong (right) at the press conference