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Classification of newbuild ships
Guiding you through newbuild classification from the design stage
Shipping is entering a new era, one that will be shaped by digitally enabled efficiencies and the global energy transition. Newbuild ships today must not only maintain the highest standards of structural integrity and safety, they must also contend with stringent emission regulations such as the EEDI, EEXI and CII.
Newbuild ships must be designed and constructed with the future in mind. With in-service lives of 25 years or more, they must be able to remain marketable and profitable for as long as possible. This means preparing for low carbon fuels, or, for ships involved in the energy production and supply chain, being ready to participate in renewable power production and low-carbon fuel transportation.
A precise portrait of the maritime world in the next 25 years is difficult to fully define, which complicates decision-making for owners and ship yards. An experienced and informed classification partner can help them anticipate their future needs, and ensure their newbuild ships are compliant and fit for purpose.
CLASSIFICATION FOR NEWBUILD SHIPS
PLAN APPROVAL
Our plan approval provides the basis for the eventual issuance of a class certificate. This includes a thorough review of all drawings to ensure compliance with mandatory international requirements and Flag State Administration requirements, as well as our own BV Rules.
3D CLASSIFICATION
We have developed 3D classification as a cost and time-efficient approach for our clients. Benefits include an optimized design review experience, which enables all parties to collaborate in real-time on a digital platform.
SURVEYS AT SHIPYARD
We maintain strong partnerships with shipyards around the world, including in key hubs in China and South East Asia. We help ensure safety and design compliance throughout the construction phase with shipyard surveys, and our experienced surveyors maintain the highest standards of impartiality.
Director of New Constructions
Bureau Veritas M&O
Owners naturally want to give their newbuild vessels the best possible start to their service life. That journey begins long before the ship touches the water, at the planning and design stages. Bureau Veritas is by our clients’ side every step of the way, guiding both ship yards and owners through the unique challenges and needs of their vessel.
WITNESSING SEA TRIALS
Our global surveyor network attends sea trials for newbuild vessels anywhere around the world. Our seakeeping and engineering expertise and eye for detail help ensure a ship’s main and auxiliary systems and machinery demonstrate proper function and compliance with the relevant Rules.
ISSUANCE OF FIRST CLASSIFICATION CERTIFICATE
We accompany yards and ship owners through this essential delivery step for their newbuild vessels. Our classification certificates stand as a mark of trust between parties and evidence of the vessel’s compliance with all relevant BV Rules and regional and national standards.
STATUTORY CERTIFICATION
We are a Recognized Organization (RO) for statutory certification, in 160 Flag State Administrations. Through our certification services, we help reassure owners and yards that vessels and equipment comply with international and regional standards.
SUPPORTING NEXT-GEN DVELOPMENTS
Today’s newbuild ship designs increasingly include more integrated and connected digital systems to boost their efficiency. The need to decarbonize is driving preparations for new fuel technologies and other energy-saving technologies such as wind-assisted propulsion and carbon capture.
Through our support to Joint Industry Projects (JIPs) and issuance of AiPs for these developments, we have built a strong knowledge bank to be able to support their integration on newbuild vessels. We have also developed dedicated Rules and notations to guide smart ships, cyber security and the adoption of low-carbon fuels and ESTs.
CLASSIFICATION RULES FOR ALL VESSEL TYPES
Through years of service to the maritime industry, engineering knowledge and research, we develop relevant and up-to-date Rules to support newbuild vessels. Our Rules and Guidance Notes offer comprehensive guides for many types of vessels, fuels and propulsion methods, and also address operational and structural concerns.
Explore our Rules and guidelines
Why partner with Bureau Veritas for your newbuild project?
At Bureau Veritas, we understand that compliance and safety start from the very first design stages for any ship. We also appreciate that every ship is unique: from design requirements through to its future operating profile and the needs of each owner.
Throughout our years of partnership with the maritime industry, we have strengthened our expertise and refined our guidance for all ship types. Today, our BV-Classed fleet is the largest by number of ships, and counts many highly specialized vessels. Coupled with our strong ties with yards in key shipbuilding hubs around the world, we have the tools you need from a classification partner for your newbuild project.
Classification of newbuild ships FAQ
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What type of ship does Bureau Veritas class?
From small survey craft, inland vessels and short-sea passenger ferries up to the largest container, gas carrier and cruise ships, Bureau Veritas has dedicated Rules and expertise for all ship types.
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What happens after the issuance of a classification certificate?
We support ship owners throughout their vessel’s operating life with annual class surveys, intermediate surveys and class renewal surveys. Clients can benefit from our remote survey offer, allowing them greater flexibility and reduced downtime. We also guide owners through any retrofits or conversions.
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How do I ensure my newbuild ship can use low-carbon fuel?
Newbuild ships are being designed at a turning point in the maritime industry. The fuel mix in the sector is preparing to switch towards lower-carbon options, such as biofuels or green hydrogen and ammonia, but these fuels are not yet available at scale.
Nevertheless, ship owners must ensure the longevity of their vessels, and that means preparing for their own energy transition from the beginning. We have developed specific notations, BIOFUEL READY, AMMONIAFUEL READY and METHANOLFUEL READY, for ships that are to be converted to use low-carbon fuels at a later date.
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What is 3D classification for newbuilds?
Traditionally, design approval is carried out by sharing 2D drawings of a vessel between the different stakeholders. This is a lengthy and complex process, further complicated by the global nature of modern projects which involve parties from around the world.
3D classification is a digital solution that facilitates a smarter, more efficient approach. Using a unique 3D model of a ship, users can perform calculations, exchange information and address classification comments in real-time.
