Classification society, Bureau Veritias (BV) has been approved by the China Maritime Safety Administration to operate in international ship registration inspection and classification services in Chinese free trade zones.

The permission given to BV makes it the first overseas ship classification organization which is allowed provide services in the free trade zoness of China.

In June this year, China Maritime Safety Administration issued the document for the opening of international ship inspection and classification service to overseas societies in free trade zones.

According to the file, the overseas surveyors which are planning to operate in international ship registration inspection and classification services could submit required documents for qualification examination and approval. The survey organization which has been approved will need to report to China Maritime Safety Administration on annual operation status.

The move aims to further improve China’s free trade zone’s service capabilities, offer more options for international ship registration and promote high-quality development of China’s maritime industry.

China is Bureau Veritas’ number one country in terms of revenue and employees.