According to Lloyd’s List, the UK-based Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Lloyd’s List recently compiled a ranking of the world’s top ten classification societies based on three metrics: registered gross tonnage (GT), registered deadweight tonnage (DWT), and the number of registered vessels. The statistical data is current as of November 2025, based on vessels over 500 GT in active service (including those under provisional classification).
Based on total registered tonnage, the top ten classification societies in 2025 are ranked as follows:
1.American Bureau of Shipping (ABS);
2.Det Norske Veritas (DNV);
3.ClassNK;(NK)
4.Lloyd’s Register (LR);
5.China Classification Society (CCS);
6.Bureau Veritas (BV);
7.Korean Register of Shipping (KR);
8.RINA;
9.Indian Register of Shipping (IRS);
10.Polish Register of Shipping (PRS).
Compared to 2024 data, ABS surpassed DNV for the first time to take the top spot; CCS rose from 6th to 5th place, while BV dropped to 6th; the rankings of the remaining classification societies remained unchanged from 2024.
Based on total registered deadweight tonnage (DWT), the top ten classification societies in 2025 are:
1. American Bureau of Shipping;
2. ClassNK;
3. Det Norske Veritas;
4. Lloyd’s Register;
5. China Classification Society;
6. Bureau Veritas;
7. Korean Register of Shipping;
8. RINA;
9. Indian Register of Shipping;
10. Polish Register of Shipping.
Compared to 2024 data, the rankings of the top 10 classification societies worldwide remain unchanged from 2024.
Based on the number of vessels classified, the top ten classification societies in 2025 are ranked as follows:
1. ClassNK;
2. American Bureau of Shipping;
3. Det Norske Veritas;
4. Bureau Veritas;
5. Lloyd’s Register;
6. China Classification Society;
7. RINA;
8. Korean Register of Shipping;
9. Indian Register of Shipping;
10. Polish Register of Shipping.
Compared to 2024 data, ClassNK jumped from third place to the top spot, while the Det Norske Veritas dropped to third place. The American Bureau of Shipping remained in second place. The China Classification Society rose from seventh to sixth place, while the RINA fell to seventh. The rankings of the remaining classification societies remained unchanged from 2024.
In 2025, despite numerous uncertainties surrounding the maritime energy transition, major global classification societies remain firmly committed to supporting the industry’s efforts in decarbonization, digital transformation, and compliance with new regulations. As the shipping industry continues to move towards a greener and more interconnected future, classification societies are also continuously evolving beyond their traditional roles.