The Indian Register of Shipping and ShipParts.com have signed a cooperation agreement to develop mutually beneficial business opportunities across the Indian and international maritime industries.

Under the cooperation agreement, signed today in Pudong, Shanghai, during the Marintec 2019 trade show, IRClass will certify the Indian equipment suppliers and manufacturers that use the ShipParts.com e-procurement platform and provide third party verification of products transacted on the site.

ShipParts.com will establish an “IRClass Pavilion” on the platform to provide certified Indian suppliers with an established digital route to international maritime markets. It will also be authorised to introduce IRClass services to both China and international manufacturers looking to access the sub-continent’s maritime sector.

H V Ramesh, Sr. Principal Surveyor and Vice President IRS, said: “The agreement we have signed today with one of the maritime world’s leading e-commerce platforms marks a new chapter of cooperation that is underpinned by our common business values and digital growth aspirations.”

The Indian maritime sector has strong growth potential and the government has taken several initiatives to boost the maritime industry.

Roy Yap, Chief Growth Officer (CGO), ShipParts.com, said: “India has long been an integral part of the international maritime industry, providing the sector with shipbuilding and repair capacity, quality equipment and services, and professional seafarers and maritime executives. Poised for growth, ShipParts.com is pleased to provide another digital channel for Indian manufacturers and service providers to the world stage with IRClass certification and verification.”