Korean Register  successfully hosted the 21st KR European Committee) meeting on June 29, 2026, at The Grove in London, UK.

The KREC brings together influential figures from Europe’s maritime industry, providing a platform for KR to share its international activities and the latest technical developments, while strengthening long-standing relationships through regular engagement since 2004.

The meeting opened with updates on KR’s business and IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) activities, alongside a presentation on the company’s AI-driven decarbonization and digitalization R&D initiatives. This was followed by a series of technical presentations covering recent developments in Korean shipbuilding and KR’s contributions at the IMO, the regulatory challenges facing sustainable LNG in international shipping, and the GHG implications of MEPC 84 outcomes.

Presentations from committee members representing ICS (International Chamber of Shipping) and BIMCO (Baltic International Maritime Conference) further explored technological and regulatory developments in Offshore Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS), as well as the tripartite working group’s efforts on GHG accounting and digital reporting.

A particularly meaningful moment of the day was the retirement of Dr. Peter M. Swift, who has served as Chairman of the KREC for the past 22 years since 2004. KR extended its deepest gratitude for Dr. Swift’s outstanding dedication and leadership, noting that his contributions have been instrumental not only to KR’s organizational growth but also to the broader development of the Korean shipbuilding industry.

Mr. Aron Frank Sørensen, Chief Environmental Officer at BIMCO, was appointed as the new Chairman of the KREC.

The meeting also welcomed two new members to the Committee: Mr. Carl Henrickson, VP of Ship Management & Innovation at Shell International Trading & Shipping Co., Ltd., and Mr. Helge Bartels, COO of Bernhard Schulte GmbH & Co. KG.

Mr. Yongsok Lee, KR’s Chairman & CEO, remarked: “On behalf of KR, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Swift for his 22 years of dedicated leadership since 2004. His unwavering commitment has played a vital role in building the trust and strong partnerships that have enabled KR to grow alongside our European partners. As we welcome new leadership, we look forward to continuing this journey of collaboration through the KREC for many years to come.”