What's Happening?
Alex Gregg-Smith has taken over as the Chair of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Council, effective July 1. Gregg-Smith, who is also the President of Marine & Offshore at Bureau Veritas, was unanimously elected in December
2025. During the 93rd meeting of the IACS Council in Busan, he outlined his vision for his term, focusing on the need for apolitical, technical leadership amid geopolitical upheaval and disruptive technologies. The IACS Council reaffirmed its commitment to providing impartial advice to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other regulatory bodies, emphasizing the importance of classification in maritime safety. Discussions at the meeting also highlighted the need for uniform technical requirements to support the deployment of new technologies and alternative fuels. The Council addressed changes to the Paris MoU’s Scoring Methodology for Recognised Organisations, stressing the importance of maintaining confidence in Port State Control data.
Why It's Important?
The leadership change at IACS comes at a critical time for the maritime industry, which is navigating challenges such as geopolitical shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. Gregg-Smith's focus on technical leadership and safety standards is crucial for maintaining high-quality operations and ensuring the industry's adaptability to new technologies and fuels. The IACS's role in providing technical assurance and setting standards is vital for the global shipping industry, which relies on these frameworks for safety and performance. The emphasis on transparency and quality assurance in regulatory processes is also significant, as it impacts decision-making and performance assessments across the industry. This leadership transition could influence how the maritime sector addresses future challenges and opportunities, particularly in areas like digital transformation and decarbonization.
What's Next?
Under Gregg-Smith's leadership, IACS is expected to continue its engagement with stakeholders, including shipowners, shipyards, and flag states, to develop new technical standards. The organization will likely focus on evolving its Common Structural Rules and enhancing digital solutions for stakeholders. As the maritime industry faces regulatory uncertainty and fast-paced technological developments, IACS's role in providing leadership and technical knowledge will be crucial. The organization is poised to address these challenges while adhering to its foundational pillars of leadership, technical knowledge, quality performance, and transparency. Future developments may include further collaboration with international bodies and industry groups to ensure the safe and efficient implementation of new technologies and fuels.
