Ship Classification
Ship classification: protecting vessels, crews and the environment
Ship classification Rules help the marine industry progress into the future. Classification societies bridge the gap between shipping companies and regulatory bodies, translating standards into pragmatic best practices for ship design and operation.
Bureau Veritas marine classifications keep vessels safe, regulation-compliant and aligned with stringent environmental standards throughout their operating life. We help ship owners and operators secure operating licenses and assess and manage risks.
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Our ship classification services
As a trusted partner of ship owners, we prioritize safety and regulatory compliance while helping you prepare your fleet for the future.
 Newbuilds |  Ships in-service |
We offer dedicated design and construction Rules for a wide range of ship classes, including merchant and passenger ships, offshore service vessels and naval vessels. | We are dedicated to helping you adapt your fleet to evolutions in the shipping industry, like decarbonization and digitalization. Our marine classifications ensure you can maximize the service life of your asset. |
Services for specific ship types
The Bureau Veritas-classed fleet is the industry’s largest by number of ships, and its most diverse. Our experts combine years of maritime and regulatory experience with attentiveness to every ship's individual needs to provide personalized support to our clients.
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Our Classification Rules and guidelines
We make over 140 technical publications available to our clients, including Rules, Rule Notes and Guidance Notes on specific topics. These documents combine our industry and regulatory experience with our engineering expertise to shape a safer marine industry.
Read the full list
Our specific class notations
Our evolving range of dedicated notations helps you keep up with technologies and requirements:
- For environmental compliance (SUSTAINABLESHIP 1 & 2)
- For use of lower-carbon fuels (AMMONIAFUEL-PREPARED, METHANOLFUEL-PREPARED, BIOFUEL READY)
- For digital and cyber compliance (SMART, CYBER MANAGED, CYBER SECURE, CYBER RESILIENT)
- For specific operating profiles (ICE CLASS, POLAR CLASS, etc.)
Chief Commercial Director
Bureau Veritas M&O
"From the initial classification of a new ship to regular class surveys, our ship classification services draw upon the largest network in the industry to reach our clients anywhere they need us. We make a point of being close to our clients, understanding their needs and letting them know that whatever their doubts or questions, we will be by their side."
Why choose Bureau Veritas as your classification partner?
We are a founding member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) and have worked hand-in-hand with the maritime world for nearly two centuries.
We are also uniquely placed as part of Bureau Veritas Group, making us the only classification society operating throughout the value chain of global trade. We provide a holistic approach to ship classification with value-added services that include fuel testing, equipment testing, social audits and more.
To help you achieve and maintain compliance for new and in service ships, we are:
- By your side: Our global network of highly qualified surveyors are ready to support you in person or remotely anywhere and anytime you need us. We have developed a suite of industry-leading tools and software to provide valuable independent assessments. We work in close collaboration with the maritime industry to make sure our offer truly responds to your needs.
- Pioneers in safety and performance: We have witnessed several shipping milestones throughout our history and now count a variety of highly specialized vessels in our fleet. Our continuous and collaborative R&D approach, regulatory knowledge and client proximity enable us to offer valuable insights to help the industry move forward.
- Flexible without compromise: At Bureau Veritas, safety is an absolute requirement. Whether helping you achieve compliance with existing regulations or developing new technologies, we will never compromise on safety.
How to transfer your vessel to BV-class
If you are interested in joining the BV fleet, please contact your local Bureau Veritas office.
Our class transferal surveys are carried out according to either IACS procedural requirements or our own requirements, depending on whether your vessel is already classed by another IACS member.
