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FEATURE INTERVIEW tions to develop in parallel,” said Suga. “In the short term, op- capital within our clients’ organizations.” tions such as biofuels and LNG will be used, followed by cleaner “Furthermore, we place strong emphasis on prompt and choices including blue fuels, and eventually a shift toward green responsive surveys and inspections, ensuring timely service fuels. As for the types of fuels that will be available in the future, delivery. Beyond traditional classi? cation services, we also this will depend on further technological development and in- actively provide certi? cation services in areas where our ex- vestment, as it is dif? cult at this stage to narrow down to a single pertise is required.” option. It is also highly likely that multiple fuels will continue to Whether it is alternative fuel guidance, regulatory interpre- coexist, depending on vessel types and operational needs.” tation, technology assessments or practical implementation

While the journey has started, the exact endpoint remains advice; ClassNK is leaning into that broader remit. Suga de- uncertain, and that uncertainty is not simply technical, it is scribes classi? cation’s role as helping owners make informed regulatory, too. decisions by combining independent certi? cation with techni-

Suga repeatedly emphasizes the degree to which fuel transi- cal intelligence.

tion will be shaped by policy frameworks rather than purely That includes research functions designed to track fuel devel- voluntary action. While large owners with strong ESG com- opments, regulatory trends, and emerging technologies, giving mitments and deep pockets are moving more aggressively, owners clearer context before major investments are made.

broad industry transformation and uptake will depend heavily Once strategic direction is established, ClassNK’s technical on regulatory signals. teams, through certi? cation and survey, con? rm that the tech-

But for all shipowners of every size, from the smallest nology is ready for actual installation, helping ensure safe and ‘mom and pop’ ? eet to the largest shipowners making billion- smooth implementation. This is especially important because dollar capital decisions and investments, this ambiguity com- complexity is increasing everywhere.

plicates everything, and that is where classi? cation’s advisory Shipowners face increasingly interconnected technical role becomes increasingly valuable. questions involving machinery, fuels, digital systems, compli-

ClassNK is positioned as both a technical validator and ance frameworks, and operational risk. It’s no small matter strategic interpreter, helping owners understand not only what that shipyards face similar uncertainty.

regulations require, but why they exist and how different com- Classi? cation’s value lies partly in bridging those informa- pliance pathways may evolve. tion gaps.

Yet Suga repeatedly returns to a simpler truth often over- shadowed by fuel debates: ef? ciency still matters.

A DIFFERENTIATED MODEL

Energy-saving technologies, including wind-assisted pro- The classi? cation sector is highly competitive, with several pulsion, advanced coatings, voyage optimization, and broader major global players operating across overlapping markets. operational ef? ciency measures, remain some of the most reli- Suga believes ClassNK’s differentiation begins with organi- able and cost-effective emissions reduction tools available to zational focus.

all vessel owners of every shape and size today. Unlike some competitors with broader industrial certi? ca-

Even in a zero-emission fuel future, reducing consumption tion portfolios, ClassNK remains heavily concentrated in clas- will remain economically critical. si? cation-related work. That specialization, he argues, creates

That logic has not changed. deeper expertise and stronger organizational alignment.

But the more interesting differentiator may be organiza-

CLASSIFICATION AS STRATEGIC ADVISOR tional structure. ClassNK’s long-term employment culture has

The classi? cation model itself is changing. Historically, produced a workforce combining deep specialists with profes- classi? cation societies primarily evaluated technical compli- sionals whose experience spans plan approval, ship surveys, ance against established rules. That role remains foundational, audits and development work. That cross-functional familiar- but owners increasingly expect more: they need insight. ity enables faster internal coordination and more cohesive re- “Classi? cation societies support shipowners facing complex sponses to client needs.

technical challenges by providing reliable third-party certi? - Suga frames this as a meaningful competitive advantage.

cation and practical insights to help their decision-making,” Rather than fragmented interactions between isolated de- said Suga. “For example, at ClassNK, we support decision- partments, clients receive more integrated technical engage- making by sharing insights on topics such as the adoption of ment. It is, in many ways, a distinctly Japanese management alternative fuels, technological trends, and developments in philosophy applied to a global technical business.

environmental regulations. We also contribute to supporting

TECHNOLOGY INSIDE THE SURVEY PROCESS the practical implementation perspective of new technologies by assessing their safety and reliability. In addition, we pro- “At ClassNK, we are investing in advanced digital technolo- vide training and education services to help strengthen human gies, including remote surveys, to improve the ef? ciency and ef- 16 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • June 2026

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