Attracting 22 newbuilds as a single KR Class this year alone, recognized for the depth of its technical excellence from international shipowners 

Korean Register (KR) announced on 20 Dec that Japanese shipowner Doun Kisen’s six of its recently ordered bulk carriers will be assigned single KR class. Four 63,500 dwt and two 40,000 dwt scrubber-fitted bulk carriers will be constructed by China’s Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering. KR already classes six Doun Kisen ships. 

Headquartered in Imabari, Japan, Doun Kisen is a major shipowner with a fleet of more than 100 vessels, including bulk carriers, containers and tankers. 

Despite difficult business conditions with the Covid-19 pandemic, classing Doun Kisen’s six new bulk carriers is a significant achievement for KR. Doun Kisen is one of Japan’s largest family-owned tonnage providers, and this will be an important stepping-stone for further Japanese assignments. Furthermore, this new class assignment is an excellent example of customers' satisfaction with KR's technical service as well.

KR is increasingly recognized around the world for the depth of its technical excellence, and international shipowners are choosing to class their vessels with KR. In 2022, 22 newbuilds, including eight MR tankers from the UK’s Navig8, four 8,000 TEU container ships from Danaos Shipping, the largest container shipping company in Greece, and four Ray Car Carriers PCTCs were assigned single KR class.

KR plans to continue to enhance its competitiveness by expanding its eco-friendly approach, investing in digital technology and focusing on delivering best-in-class customer service.