Summary
Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) announced that the change of the Web Service Portal log-in system, initially planned for September 28, 2025, will be postponed. The new release is scheduled for 2026, though the exact date is yet to be confirmed. Current services, including NK-SHIPS and NK-PASS, remain accessible with existing log-in IDs. The decision highlights ClassNK’s ongoing role in the global classification sector, alongside peers such as DNV (Det Norske Veritas) and Lloyd’s Register.
Context and Scope
This account presents the key facts from the postponement notice issued by ClassNK, outlining the impact on services and user registrations. It also integrates a broader overview of ClassNK’s historical development, its timeline of activities, and its position in comparison with other major classification societies. The focus remains on organizational facts, postponement details, and comparative context, without including extraneous or unrelated elements.
Exhaustive Narrative of Facts
1. The bilingual postponement notice
ClassNK informed customers that the Web Service Portal log-in system change planned for September 28, 2025, would be delayed. The reason cited was the need to improve user convenience and introduce safeguards against operational errors. The new release is scheduled for 2026, with a detailed date to be announced later. Services such as NK-SHIPS and NK-PASS remain accessible with current log-in IDs after the original date. Pre-registered email addresses remain valid, and users can confirm them via the “Register” button (Japanese label: 「利用者情報登録」). For inquiries, the CCH Portal Account Helpdesk can be reached at cch-portal@classnk.or.jp.
2. Profile of Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK)
ClassNK is a Japanese maritime classification society founded in 1899. Its core mission is to enhance safety at sea, protect the marine environment, and support the development of maritime transport. The organization provides technical standards for ship design and construction, classification and certification services for ships and offshore structures, audits against international management standards such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization), and solutions for digital security and fleet management. While headquartered in Japan, ClassNK operates globally through a network of offices and survey stations.
3. Brief timeline of ClassNK
- 1899: Founded in Tokyo, Japan.
- 1900s–1950s: Expanded fleet under classification and adopted international technical standards.
- 1960s–1980s: Established itself as a major global classification society with an extensive survey network.
- 1990s: Strengthened activities in quality and environmental certification, including ISO (International Organization for Standardization) frameworks.
- 2000s: Expanded into digital services, maritime security, and regulatory support.
- 2010s: Increased involvement in offshore renewable energy projects and cybersecurity standards for shipping.
- 2020s: Continued leading ship classification and digital solutions. In 2025, issued a notice postponing the Web Service Portal log-in system change, rescheduled for 2026.
4. Comparative context introduced in-session
ClassNK was compared with DNV (Det Norske Veritas, now DNV Group after its merger with Germanischer Lloyd) and Lloyd’s Register.
- Lloyd’s Register was founded in 1760 in the United Kingdom, making it older than both ClassNK and DNV.
- DNV, founded in 1864 in Norway, is influential in sustainability, energy projects, and offshore renewables.
- ClassNK, founded in 1899, grew significantly in Asia due to Japan’s shipbuilding industry and now oversees one of the world’s largest classified fleets.
- In Asia, ClassNK holds a leading position because many Japanese and Korean shipyards classify vessels under its rules.
- In Europe, DNV dominates because of its Northern European base and focus on renewable energy. Lloyd’s Register remains strong in the United Kingdom.
- In the Americas, DNV has a notable role in certification for renewable projects, while Lloyd’s Register provides consulting and safety services. ClassNK’s role there is more closely tied to Japanese operators.
- In Africa and the Middle East, DNV and Lloyd’s Register are more present than ClassNK due to oil and gas offshore certification.
- By specialization, ClassNK focuses strongly on merchant vessel classification, DNV emphasizes sustainability and digitalization, and Lloyd’s Register centers on technical innovation and engineering consultancy.
Practical Takeaways
- The Web Service Portal log-in system change originally scheduled for September 28, 2025, is postponed to 2026.
- NK-SHIPS and NK-PASS remain accessible with current log-in IDs.
- Pre-registered email addresses remain valid, with no need for re-registration.
- Verification of registration is available through the “Register”/「利用者情報登録」button.
- Inquiries should be directed to the CCH Portal Account Helpdesk at cch-portal@classnk.or.jp.
- ClassNK is a leading classification society with global reach, operating alongside peers such as DNV and Lloyd’s Register, each with distinct regional strengths.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 