The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has introduced a new digital capability that will significantly enhance how ships are assessed and classified throughout their service life. The rollout of its Virtual Twin and 3D Classification system, built on Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, marks a major step in IRS’s ongoing digital modernization efforts.
This development offers shipbuilders, operators, and owners a new level of digital integration, enabling comprehensive visibility and control over vessel performance and compliance—from initial design through decommissioning. The Virtual Twin concept creates a digital mirror of a physical ship, allowing for continuous monitoring, assessment, and regulatory tracking in a unified environment.
With the integration of 3D-based classification, IRS aims to streamline the approval process for ship designs, enhance collaboration between project stakeholders, and reduce turnaround time for critical decisions. The use of real-time data and virtual simulation tools is expected to improve safety margins, operational reliability, and adherence to environmental standards.
The solution brings tangible value to the maritime sector by enabling smarter workflows, reducing paper-based processes, and ensuring that vessels remain compliant with evolving regulatory frameworks. It also supports global sustainability goals by promoting better resource utilization and reduced environmental impact.
Speaking on the launch, PK Mishra, Managing Director of IRS, said “This is a key milestone in our digital roadmap. With the adoption of the Virtual Twin, we’re reinforcing our role as a forward-looking classification society. It gives us the ability to provide faster, more precise, and future-ready services while helping our clients navigate the changing demands of the shipping industry.”
Deepak NG, Managing Director, India at Dassault Systèmes, added “Our 3DEXPERIENCE platform empowers organizations to merge the physical and digital aspects of complex systems. For the maritime sector, this means better outcomes in terms of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. We’re proud to collaborate with IRS in building the next generation of maritime infrastructure.”
The IRS initiative reflects a broader movement within the global maritime industry to adopt digital technologies that support real-time operations, smarter decision-making, and increased collaboration across the value chain. As a recognized member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), IRS offers classification, certification, and inspection services to the shipping and offshore industries. Its expertise spans commercial vessels, offshore assets, and industrial infrastructure, with a focus on delivering internationally recognized quality and compliance standards.
