Classification Societies News

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has published a new Unified Requirement, UR M85, providing comprehensive technical guidelines for type approval testing of synthetic materials used in aftmost propeller shaft bearings.Recognized as a critical component of a vessel’s propulsion system, these bearings are essential for long-term operational safety and efficiency.The new UR M85 establishes a robust framework for type approval testing to address what it says is a vital gap in maritime standards.

"Safety is more than just compliance. It is now synonymous with security, reliability, collective relationships and people. Safety is also becoming systems based rather than rooted in prescriptive rules or specific component procedures. Only by embracing a proactive, systems-oriented approach to safety, can the maritime industry navigate the path to a decarbonized future while ensuring the well-being of its seafarers and the protection of the marine environment.” That was the message from Christopher J.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted the maritime industry’s first Enhanced Antifouling Type Approval to GIT Coatings.This new approval establishes a benchmark for antifouling coatings, responding to the increasing demand for effective biofouling management. Such advancements are crucial for decarbonization initiatives and for the protection of marine ecosystems.As the first classification society to offer this service, LR provides ship owners and operators with verified assurances regarding the performance of antifouling coatings…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize shipping by enhancing safety and efficiency, Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO, said, while also noting the growing importance of the human touch in this high-tech era.“Maritime 5.0 will be defined by the ever-expanding capabilities of artificial intelligence, driving our complex industry to be safer, more efficient and more optimized, while emphasizing the increasing importance of the humans in the loop,” Wiernicki said…

The industry’s first comprehensive rules for floating nuclear power plants have been unveiled by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) at a forum for nuclear industry leaders held jointly with Idaho National Laboratory (INL).Held at ABS’ world headquarters in Texas, the event saw presentations on the latest reactor technologies from leading companies and publication of a detailed study from ABS and Herbert Engineering modeling the design, operation and emissions of a floating nuclear…

Ongoing concerns around fuel quality continue to be a critical factor and significant expense for the maritime industry, according to the Lloyd’s Register (LR) Fuel Quality Report 2024.The report, produced by LR’s Fuel Oil Bunker Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS), reveals the overall state of fuel quality in 2024 remains much like that of the past few years, particularly since the transition to predominantly very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) in 2020. Persistent issues such as cat-fines…

South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has been awarded an approval in principle (AIP) for its Floating CO2 Storage Unit (FCSU) design from classification society Bureau Veritas (BV).The AIP certificate was presented to Haeki Jang, Chief Technical Officer of SHI, by Matthieu De Tugny, President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, during a ceremony at Gastech 2024.The floating CO2 storage unit features a free-form pressure tank design, equipped with Lattice Pressure Vessel for CO2 storage that is equivalent to the IMO Type C cylindrical tanks.

Classification society DNV has awarded Hanwha Ocean Type Approval Design Certification (TADC) for its innovative rotor sail technology, the first certification of a rotor sail approved for installation in hazardous zones in South Korea.The TADC confirms that Hanwha Ocean's Rotor Sail, designed with composite materials, is in line with DNV and international safety standards, guidelines and regulations and ready for practical application on commercial vessels. The certification process involved detailed design reviews and assessments…

A new design for a 268-meter floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility from Wison New Energies received approval in principle (AIP) from classification society ABS.The unit is designed to perform offshore and at-shore with an expected production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements.“ABS offers world-class engineering services and is proud to be able to support innovative designs from pioneering clients like Wison.

The initial design for a new ammonia bunkering articulated tug-barge (ATB) has been granted approval in principle (AIP) from classification society the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).The partners behind the project, including ABS, A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S, Fleet Management Limited, Georgia Ports Authority, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS), Sumitomo Corporation and TOTE Services, came together in March 2023 and have been conducting a feasibility study on ship-to-ship bunkering of reduced emission ammonia along the U.S.

HD Hyundai Marine Solution, HD Hyundai Engineering & Technology, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), and Hyundai Heavy Industries Power Systems have obtained Approval in Principle (AIP) from DNV for their design of an onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) system for retrofits.The retrofit design is applicable to a wide range of vessels, and DNV's AIP confirms that the OCCS technology is both feasible and prepared to meet emerging regulatory requirements.The project was conducted as a Joint Industry Project (JIP) between DNV and the HD Hyundai companies…

ABS and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the development and certification of innovative systems for next-generation, zero-carbon ships.Entitled “Cooperation on the Advanced Zero-Carbon Ships,” the MOU focuses on integrating advanced technologies in three main areas: a novel liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo handling system that utilizes full re-liquefaction system to suppress boil-off gas (BOG) for zero-carbon LNG carriers…

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) is collaborating with Amogy and RotoBoost in a study aimed at reducing emissions in the maritime industry. The joint development project (JDP) will assess the potential of advanced technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, ammonia-to-power systems, and pre-combustion Carbon Dioxide Capture Storage (CCS) systems from technical, financial, and regulatory perspectives.This partnership marks a significant step toward evaluating how these…

Avikus on Friday announced it is working toward gaining word-first DNV Type Approval for its innovative autonomous vessel systems.The South Korea-based marine technology company said it cemented its partnership with classification society DNV with an agreement signed this week at the SMM maritime trade fair in Hamburg, Germany.Avikus said it is progressing through DNV’s System Qualification process for its autonomous navigation system, HiNAS Control, under DNV-CG-0264 and relevant international standards.

PowerCell Group has secured an approval in principle (AIP) from classification society DNV for its methanol-to-power solution. The system integrates a methanol reformer from RIX Industries with the PowerCell Marine System 225, recently launched to aid in the maritime industry's shift toward cleaner energy sources.Methanol is emerging as a promising alternative fuel alongside hydrogen, contributing to maritime decarbonization and electrification. Given its availability in major global ports…

Corvus Energy announced that the Corvus Pelican Fuel Cell System has received Type Approval from DNV. The system, which was developed through the three-year-long H2NOR project, is the first Fuel Cell System (FCS) designed to be inherently gas-safe.Receiving type approval from DNV, a leading maritime classification society, confirms that the Corvus Pelican Fuel Cell System meets the most stringent performance and safety standards required by the maritime industry. Olaf Drews, Head of Engines & Pressurized Equipment Maritime…

Danish shipping group Maersk has agreed to join a study by maritime services firm Lloyd's Register (LR) and UK-based Core Power, that will assess the potential for nuclear-powered container shipping in Europe, LR said on Thursday.The maritime industry has been exploring whether nuclear fuel can be used to power commercial ships as technological advancements have opened up such options, but industry officials last year said nuclear fuel solutions for ships were at least a decade away.Maersk, LR and Core Power will assess the regulatory feasibility and frameworks that would be needed for a conta

Classification society ABS on Wednesday announced it has released guidance focused on ammonia bunkering, said to be the first such advisory for the industry.The ABS Ammonia Bunkering: Technical and Operational Advisory considers the aspects of bunkering ammonia as a fuel, providing the maritime industry with a better understanding of the challenges involved and how best to address them.Due to its greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential, ammonia is widely considered a leading alternative fuel candidate.

Classification society ABS announced it has awarded approval in principle (AIP) to Houston-based CLS Wind for its innovative wind turbine assembly system.The patented elevator style assembly system promises easier, safer and faster wind turbine and nacelle installation and maintenance, without the use of large cranes and heavy-lift barges or vessels.ABS said it completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements.“This is an exciting milestone for CLS Wind and domestic renewable energy production. ABS is committed to supporting the U.S.

Singaporean rig- and shipbuilder Seatrium has tapped the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to class a pair of floating production storage and offloading units (FPSO) being built for Brazil's state-owned Petrobras, the classification society announced. Slated for delivery in 2029, the FPSOs P-84 and P-85 will be deployed in the Atapu and Sépia fields, located in the eastern part of the Santos Basin, approximately 200 kilometers offshore of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Each have a production capacity of 225…

Classification society DNV has published updates to its rules for classification of ships and offshore structures.The new rules—published on July 1 and slated to enter into force on January 1, 2025—support the development and deployment of decarbonization technologies. In addition, new in-operation class notations seek to bring clarity to the responsibilities of class customers for notations that have a mix of design and operational requirements, DNV said.“One of the most striking aspects of the maritime industry today…

The IACS’ Council, meeting last week in Rome for its 89th session (C89) under new Council Chair, Roberto Cazzulo, progressed a wide range of issues, foremost of which was the need for the human element to be considered at the earliest stage across all IACS’ work streams. The requirement for increased awareness and focus on how a ship’s crew can safely operate increasingly sophisticated vessels has led IACS to develop internal guidelines to address this need in a structured and…

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) announced it has granted approval in principle (AIP) to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for its ammonia fuel supply system, which will be used on ammonia new constructions.The newly developed ammonia fuel supply system shows complete compatibility with high-efficiency cargo handling systems and ammonia engines.The approval certifies the fuel supply system against LR’s rigorous risk-based certification (RBC-1) process and marks the successful conclusion of a joint development project (JDP) between LR and HD KSOE…