New Global Headquarters for Korean Register

Due to continuing international growth, the Korean Register of Shipping – an IACS member classification society – has opened a new global headquarters building in Busan, South Korea.

The new headquarters building was officially opened today 13 September by Dr Oh, Kong- gyun, Chairman & CEO of KR, and witnessed by over 400 senior representatives from shipowning companies, shipyards, classification societies and governments. Amongst the principal guests were:

1. Mr. Kang, Beom-gu, Ministry of Land, Transport and Marine Affairs

2. Mr. Heo, Nam-sik, Mayor of Busan

3. Mr. Kim, Do-eub, Member of National Assembly

4. Mr. William de Ruiter, Ex-Executive Director of EMSA

5. Mr. Noboru Ueda, Chairman and President, ClassNK

6. Dr Sun, Licheng, Chairman and President, CCS

6. Mr Kim, Young-min, President & CEO, Hanjin Shipping Co Ltd

7. Mr. Kim, Yui-hyun, President & CEO, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd

8. Mr. Park, Yun-so, CEO, Korea Maritime Equipment Association

Relocating from the central Korean city of Daejeon to the maritime hub of Busan in the south of the country, KR has positioned itself on the doorstep of the world’s largest shipbuilding community. Getting closer to its customer base is a central element of KR’s future strategy and the new headquarters will also control KR’s three regional headquarters (Europe-Athens, China – Shanghai, AsiaPacific – Singapore) and its 59 branch offices located across the globe.

At the opening ceremony, KR’s Chairman and CEO said:

“The opening of our new international headquarters is the culmination of many years planning and represents a significant step forward for our growing organisation. It is another milestone on the path to achieving our 2020 vision and I would like to thank all those who have worked so hard to make it a reality.”

During the ceremony, KR’s new logo, “Smart KR”, was unveiled. It stands for Smart Infra, Smart Management and Smart Business which will lead to a Smart Industrial Ecosystem.

Almost 350 staff have moved from Daejeon and are now working in the new facility. KR’s R&D center along with other, non-merchant marine related functions will remain in Daejeon where the central Korea location is more suited to their daily activities.

The new 18 story building has adopted an integrated management system that automates many of the internal services to save energy. Solar cells are incorporated to reduce energy use and rain water is collected and re-used. Other enhanced systems include a modernised communications platform covering all domestic and international branch offices to deliver a faster and more efficient service to KR’s international customer base.