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NR467 Rules for the classification of steel ships
For your seagoing ships, our NR467 Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships provide the requirements for the assignment and the maintenance of classification for any ship type.
| Reference | Title | Edition |
|---|---|---|
| NR467 A R26 | Part A - Classification and Surveys | July 2026 |
| NR467 B R21 | Part B - Hull and Stability | July 2026 |
| NR467 C R21 | Part C - Machinery, Electricity, Automation, and Fire Protection | July 2026 |
| NR467 D R21 | Part D - Service Notations
| July 2026 |
| NR467 E R12 | Part E - Service Notations for Offshore Service Vessels and Tugs
| July 2026 |
| NR467 F R21 | Part F - Additional Class Notations | July 2026 |
You can also download the list of the main changes since the last update or the entire consolidated file.
Access our ship classification, rules and guidelines via our Rules Explorer with full-text search. You also have access to more than 130 technical publications for downloading, including:
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The importance of ship classification
Ship classification establishes technical requirements with the aim to improve maritime safety for crew, passengers and cargo, as well as for the protection of the marine environment.
Ship classification requirements cover hull design and construction, as well as design, construction and installation of ship machinery, equipment and systems. These must ensure power generation and distribution for essential services such as ship propulsion, navigation, communication, firefighting, safety and security.
With ship classification performed by an independent and recognized classification society such as Bureau Veritas, you can verify ship regulatory compliance and operational reliability - two aspects that are important for insurance and commercial acceptance.
Get started with ship classification by Bureau Veritas today
Benefit from classification services covering the following:
- Hull structure requirements
- Ship construction requirements
- Materials and welding standards
- Ship machinery requirements
- Mechanical systems, electrical installations, equipment
- Stability requirements
- Fire safety requirements
Our classification services are applicable throughout the vessel’s life cycle:
- Design approval
- Construction phase survey
- Assignment of ship classification
- In-service surveys for maintaining class certificate
- Modifications and retrofits
Why choose Bureau Veritas classification
We at Bureau Veritas have been pioneering the safety and performance of ships since 1828 as one of the world’s leading classification societies and verification bodies.
Our global network is ready to support owners, designers and yards worldwide with the performance of any type of ship. This goes beyond construction – from ship design requirements and hull structure requirements to the construction and installation of machinery and systems – to also include statutory vessel certification and material and equipment certification based on national and international seaworthiness standards and strict ship regulatory compliance.
Our range of services goes even further to help you navigate decarbonization requirements and digital innovation – providing practical advice, tools and technology to support you in making the right decisions for your business.
FAQs – Bureau Veritas Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships (NR467)
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What are the Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships?
The Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships (NR467) are Bureau Veritas technical documents that define requirements for the assignment and the maintenance of classification covering the design, construction, survey and maintenance of ships’ hull, machinery and systems throughout their operational life cycle.
Our NR467 rule set for steel ship classification establishes requirements related to safety and structural integrity, machinery and electrical systems, while supporting ship regulatory compliance and operational reliability.
We periodically update our Classification Rules to reflect technological developments, regulatory changes and evolving best practices in the shipbuilding and ship design industry. The NR467 rule set is also regularly updated to align with international regulatory developments and supports compliance with relevant IMO conventions and maritime safety standards.
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What is ship classification, specifically for steel ships?
Ship classification is the process by which a classification society, such as Bureau Veritas, verifies that a vessel complies with the society’s classification rules.
The world’s biggest and largest ships are usually constructed of hull structural steels, and these hulls must be able to withstand a number of forces – from dynamic torsion to wave impact. To ensure integrity even in such demanding conditions, the steel ship design must be in line with hull structure requirements, while adhering to ship construction rules.
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Who must comply with NR467?
Shipowners, shipyards, naval architects, designers, equipment manufacturers and operators involved in the ship’s life cycle under Bureau Veritas classification must comply with the sections of the NR467 applicable to their specific activities.
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What is the difference between ship classification and certification?
Ship classification verifies compliance with technical ship classification rules throughout a vessel’s life cycle, while certification demonstrates compliance with national and/or international statutory and regulatory requirements.
