01 / Christopher Wiernicki, ABS

During this year’s London International Shipping Week, ABS chairman and chief executive Christopher Wiernicki urged the maritime industry to approach innovation through a single guiding question: “Does it make us safer?”

That principle has driven one of the classification society’s latest technical advances: the enhancement of its containership lashing system notation, CLP-V(PARR), to incorporate a seasonality factor. The addition gives boxship operators greater operational flexibility by accounting for variable sea conditions throughout the year.

Safety is just one part of a broader vision. Wiernicki has also called on the maritime sector to seize what he described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity”: harnessing nuclear power for commercial shipping.

That call is already being backed by action. Two pioneering nuclear projects received Approval in Principle (AiP) from ABS in 2025. The first, developed by South Korea’s HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, is a 15,000 teu containership concept powered by a molten salt reactor providing heat, paired with a supercritical carbon dioxide system for power generation.

The second project envisions a floating nuclear power barge capable of supporting port facilities or coastal communities from offshore. Expanding this vision even further, ABS has also published a landmark study on floating nuclear power data centres, proposing designs that could help meet surging energy demands from artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

Beyond nuclear, ABS continues to explore a range of alternative fuel paths. In partnership with the European Maritime Safety Agency, it led two studies examining the potential of synthetic fuels such as e-diesel, e-methane and e-methanol.

To support industry adoption, ABS has also released two key advisories: Dual-Fuel Solutions for Newbuild Vessels, a comprehensive review of dual-fuel propulsion options pairing traditional hydrocarbons with liquefied natural gas, methanol or ammonia; and Safety Insights for Ammonia as a Marine Fuel, which explores ammonia’s onboard performance and risk profile.

Addressing the growing risk of electric vehicle battery fires on board vehicle carriers, ABS has developed advanced simulation models of lithium-ion thermal runaway, providing new insight to strengthen firefighting strategies and vessel design.

Wiernicki is set to retire at the end of 2025, after 14 years at the helm of ABS. He will be replaced by president and chief operating officer John McDonald.

02 / Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, DNV

In DNV’s latest Maritime Forecast to 2050, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, chief executive of DNV Maritime, paints a picture of an industry in transformation, driven by regulation, technology and collaboration on an unprecedented scale.

While the heart of the forecast — the International Maritime Organization’s approval of the Net-Zero Framework — ultimately was postponed, DNV continues to call for urgent action to finalise certification frameworks for sustainable fuels.

Equally important is ensuring that early adopters are rewarded, believes DNV. Clear incentive mechanisms for zero and near-zero fuels, as well as for efficiency and carbon-saving technologies, are essential to sustain industry confidence.

According to data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight platform, the number of vessels being delivered with alternative-fuel capabilities is set to more than double by 2028.

By 2030, these ships could consume about 50m tonnes of non-oil fuels annually — a big step toward the IMO’s target of reducing emissions by 20% by the end of the decade.

The report notes that competition for low-emission fuels will be fierce, which will intensify the need for cross-sector coordination and investment in green fuel production.

While the fuel transition will take time, DNV stresses that energy efficiency offers immediate opportunities for impact. Advances in wind-assisted propulsion, digital optimisation and onboard carbon capture prove that multiple solutions can work together to cut emissions.

Research in this year’s report shows that installing carbon capture systems on large containerships, tankers and bulk carriers is technically feasible, with manageable space requirements. If combined with CO2 offloading infrastructure at key ports, such retrofits could reduce global fleet emissions by nearly 9%, noted DNV.

03 / Hayato Suga, ClassNK

The year 2025 was a significant one for ClassNK, as Hayato Suga took over the president and chief executive role at the Japanese class society in March, replacing Hiroaki Sakashita, who became chairman.

Suga brings with him four decades of experience within the organisation and has set a clear vision for ClassNK that include responding to the evolving needs of the shipping industry at a time when environmental imperatives and digitalisation are blurring the boundaries between maritime and other sectors.

His priorities centre on expanding the society’s service portfolio and fostering a culture of initiative-driven innovation across the organisation.

One of the year’s key milestones was the opening of ClassNK’s new Tech Expertise Centre in Piraeus, Greece. The centre is designed to provide comprehensive technical support extending beyond traditional survey activities, reinforcing the society’s presence in one of the world’s leading maritime hubs.

Throughout 2025, ClassNK continued to diversify its activities beyond conventional classification, engaging with emerging technologies, alternative fuels, emissions-based certification and smart ship innovations.

The society also advanced its technically based “endorsement” methodology, enabling certification in advance for new technologies and solutions before their widespread adoption.

In addition, it expanded its analytical and advisory tools, complementing its growing Alternative Fuels Insights report portfolio with the introduction of the ClassNK Fleet Cost Simulation service.

This new tool enables shipowners and operators to evaluate the financial impacts of upcoming regulatory measures, including FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System.

04 / Nick Brown, Lloyd’s Register

Lloyd’s Register marked a milestone year in 2025 by returning to its historic London headquarters at 71 Fenchurch Street, following a comprehensive refurbishment. The reopening ceremony was honoured by a royal visit from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, coinciding with London International Shipping Week in September.

Earlier in the year, LR unveiled its newly structured LR Advisory Service, bringing together more than 250 global experts to provide integrated business and technical advisory support.

The service aims to help the maritime sector accelerate progress in decarbonisation, digital transformation, regulatory adaptation and operational performance.

At LISW 2025, LR introduced its Biofuel Advisory Service, offering targeted guidance for shipowners, bunker suppliers and fuel producers navigating the evolving landscape of biofuel adoption.

Reinforcing its leadership in next-generation maritime energy, LR also announced an AI-driven partnership with Microsoft to streamline permitting and licensing processes for maritime nuclear applications — a key contribution to a global cross-industry pledge to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050.

Across the year, LR delivered transformative milestones in alternative fuels, wind propulsion and antifouling innovation, including the classification of the world’s first wind-assisted aframax tanker.

Under chief executive Nick Brown, LR’s influence continued to grow across major market sectors, highlighted by the launch of its Cruise Ship Centre of Expertise, which integrates classification, advisory and digital services to enhance cruise safety, efficiency and sustainability.

The year also saw the release of the Global Maritime Trends 2025 Barometer, produced jointly with the Lloyd’s Register Foundation. The report provides a data-driven view of the industry’s progress toward digitalisation and decarbonisation, warning that without coordinated international regulation, progress risks fragmentation.

Zhao Yan, who assumed the role of chairman and president of the China Classification Society in April 2025, following the retirement of Sun Feng, is steering the organisation through a transformative year, marked by significant strides in decarbonisation, digitalisation and global expansion.

The CCS is continuing to position itself as a key player in the transition toward a greener, smarter and more connected global shipping industry.

In October, the CCS released its landmark China Sustainable Shipping Fuel Development Report 2025, an analysis of global and domestic greenhouse gas-reduction policies and future trends in sustainable marine fuels.

The report explores pathways for the adoption of green hydrogen, methanol, ammonia and biofuels, aiming to guide policy makers and industry leaders in building a robust low-carbon fuel supply chain.

A technological milestone came in July 2025, when the CCS provided newbuilding class provision for the world’s first methanol dual-fuel, low-speed marine diesel engine for a very large crude carrier.

During the North Bund International Shipping Forum, the society hosted the Digital and Intelligent Forum, underscoring the importance of data-driven technologies and automation in enhancing the industry’s productivity and safety.

To bolster its international service capabilities, the CCS launched the International Ship Business Operation Centre in Shanghai, providing integrated, full-lifecycle services for global clients. The initiative marks a strategic step in expanding the CCS’s reach in the international maritime market.

The CCS further demonstrated its global engagement by participating as an international partner at London International Shipping Week, where it showcased its contributions to global maritime safety, sustainability and innovation.

In another milestone, the Zhoushan Office of CCS oversaw the successful delivery of the world’s largest ultra-low temperature refrigerated cargoships. The 9,000 dwt vessels can maintain temperatures as low as -55°C for the transport of high-value seafood such as tuna.

06 / Matthieu de Tugny, Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas’ marine and offshore division continues to help accelerate the industry’s transition toward a sustainable lower-carbon future.

Through its collaboration with shipowners, operators and technology pioneers, BV is enabling the deployment of next-generation technologies designed to cut emissions and reshape the global shipping landscape.

As a thought leader in maritime sustainability, BV president Matthieu de Tugny released his latest book, Towards a Sustainable Blue Economy, in 2025.

The book calls for systemic change in how the maritime industry is funded, fuelled and operated — urging collaboration between financial, regulatory and technical stakeholders to drive pragmatic, collective progress toward net zero emissions.

The classification society has issued several AiPs for cutting-edge projects, including the HavHyS project, advancing liquid hydrogen and ammonia fuel cell technology, in partnership with Malaysian shipowner MISC Group, and supporting the expansion of ammonia bunkering newbuildings in a partnership with Japan’s Sasaki Shipbuilding.

BV has also facilitated the integration of multiple green fuel and wind propulsion solutions across a diverse range of newbuildings, including the sail-powered ro-ro cargoship Neoliner Origin (IMO: 1021829), which entered service in October.

Reflecting its leadership in alternative fuels, BV maintains a 30% market share in LNG bunkering vessels and has classed the world’s first ammonia bunkering vessel, while BV is also the leading class society for methanol bunkering vessels.

BV Asia-Pacific senior vice-president Alex Gregg-Smith will take over the president role of the marine and offshore division in early 2026.

07 / Hyung-chul Lee, Korean Register

The Korean Register of Shipping is actively collaborating with all major shipbuilders on its home turf to advance smart and sustainable ship technologies, focusing on digital transformation, alternative fuels and safety innovation.

They include Smart Accommodation System, which is being developed in a partnership with HD Hyundai Mipo and HD Hyundai Samho, to approve the Internet of Things-based crew accommodation to enhance crew comfort and energy efficiency, while verifying cyber resilience for next-generation newbuildings.

In AI-based solutions, the KR and HD Hyundai Samho signed an MOU in June to co-develop AI-powered tools for ship design optimisation and structural assessment. The project includes an AI-driven hull support arrangement system and a generative AI-based design verification platform, aiming to boost design productivity and security.

Meanwhile, under its chairman and chief executive Hyung-chul Lee, the KR agreed with Hanwha Ocean to jointly develop a 150,000 cu m ultra large ammonia carrier and an LNG carrier with a world first, forward-deckhouse design.

At Gastech 2025, the KR and HD Hyundai Samho announced they are developing a water-circulated, double-wall ammonia fuel pipe system to prevent leakage and enhance safety on ammonia-fuelled ships, with plans to propose related safety standards to the IMO.

The KR has formed a joint working group with key South Korea shipbuilders to establish international standards for ammonia effluent discharge, addressing environmental safety and regulatory gaps for ammonia-fuelled vessels.

08 / Paolo Moretti, Rina

Rina unveiled several landmark initiatives and collaborations in 2025 that advance shipping’s journey toward net zero emissions.

In partnership with Italian energy major ENI and shipbuilding group Fincantieri, Rina co-presented the Sustainable Maritime Transport Outlook, a strategic study aimed at accelerating the decarbonisation of maritime transport in line with the Net-Zero 2050 target.

The study outlines practical paths and collaborative frameworks for reducing emissions across the maritime value chain.

Led by chief executive Paulo Moretti, Rina also played a key role as the classification society for Atal Solutions’ retrofitting project, a transformative initiative carried out with Damen Shipyards and Blue Astra Maritime.

The project involves upgrading four bulk carriers with next-generation technologies designed to cut emissions, reduce fuel consumption by more than 25%, and nearly eliminate vessel waste, setting a new benchmark for sustainable ship retrofits.

Further strengthening its role in innovation, Rina granted AiP for a next-generation ultramax bulker design developed by Chinese ship designer Shanghai Design and Research Institute and Greek shipowner Almi Marine. The design features dual-fuel LNG/hydrogen propulsion, battery-assisted systems and an innovative hydrogen-reforming solution.

Rina awarded AiP to Korea Maritime Consultants for a 40,000 cu m LNG-fuelled, hydrogen-ready, liquid CO2 carrier, supporting the advancement of carbon capture, utilisation and storage logistics. The vessel’s flexible and scalable design represents a key step toward building the maritime infrastructure required for a cost-effective net zero transition.

Looking beyond individual projects, Rina is expanding its innovation ecosystem with the establishment of seven Open Innovation Hubs across the globe. These hubs will serve as collaborative spaces for idea exchange, solution testing and addressing shared industry challenges.

09 / Arun Sharma, Indian Register of Shipping

The Indian Register of Shipping is accelerating its transformation into a provider of green, autonomous and digitally enabled maritime technologies and unveiled a series of strategic initiatives and partnerships in 2025.

In alignment with global decarbonisation goals, the IRS has intensified support for green ship designs and alternative fuel technologies. Key projects underway include a hydrogen fuel cell ferry and unmanned surface vessels.

Under the leadership of executive chairman Arun Sharma, the IRS has also been conducting extensive biofuel trials to evaluate their performance and lifecycle sustainability across various vessel types.

It is collaborating with leading industry partners to advance autonomous vessel technologies, focusing on safe, efficient and regulatory-compliant integration of automation in maritime operations. These initiatives are expected to pave the way for smarter and safer shipping solutions in Indian and global waters.

As part of its digital transformation initiatives, the IRS has partnered with France’s Dassault Systèmes for the rollout of the Virtual Twin for Ships Life Cycle Assessment and 3D Classification using a Dassault Systèmes platform. This integration enables real-time insights across the ship’s lifecycle, from design and construction to operation and maintenance.

As classification and certification partner for the expanding Indian Navy, the IRS continues to strengthen its involvement in key defence shipbuilding projects. These include diving support vessels, fleet support ships and corvettes.

10 / Grzegorz Pettke, Polish Register of Shipping

Building on its 90-year heritage, the Polish Register of Shipping continues to punch above its weight and has emerged as a proactive partner in the global maritime industry’s transition toward cleaner, smarter and safer operations.

Via targeted regulatory updates and strategic engagement with international partners, the organisation continues to evolve beyond its traditional classification role to become a comprehensive compliance and innovation partner.

One of the PRS’s major milestones in 2025 was the upgrade of its Rules for the Classification and Construction of High-Speed Craft, now extended to include high-speed catamarans.

This development enables the PRS to offer new classification services for shipowners operating in demanding offshore environments — such as crew transfer vessels supporting wind farms and oil rigs.

In parallel, the PRS, led by president Grzegorz Pettke, is investing in the future of maritime autonomy by developing dedicated guidelines for autonomous and automated technologies and expanding its certification services in this rapidly advancing field.

Through new partnerships and market expansion, particularly across Asia and the Middle East, the PRS continues to extend its global influence.

This list is part of the Lloyd’s List One Hundred People 2025 (Edition 16) that will be published from December 8