Behind the Steel: The Crucial Role of Classification Societies in Newbuild Projects

My name is Davide Ramponi, I am 20 years old and currently training as a shipping agent in Hamburg. In my blog, I take you with me on my journey into the exciting world of shipping. I share my knowledge, my experiences, and my progress on the way to becoming an expert in the field of Sale and Purchase – the trade with ships.

When we talk about shipbuilding, we often focus on design innovations, propulsion technologies or the challenges of delivery timelines. But behind every seaworthy vessel, there’s a less visible player whose influence is vital from the first drawing to the final sea trial: the classification society.

These independent organisations play a central role in ensuring that newbuilds meet international standards for safety, performance, and environmental compliance. Yet for many newcomers in the industry, the work of classification societies remains a bit of a mystery. What exactly do they do? How do they affect the construction process? And why can collaboration with them sometimes be tricky?

In this post, I’ll give you a practical overview of the tasks and importance of classification societies in new construction projects. We’ll look at how they support quality assurance, where challenges arise—and why you should never underestimate their role if you're planning a successful newbuild.

What Are Classification Societies and Why Do They Matter?

Before a ship can be delivered, operated, or even insured, it must be "classed"—that is, certified by an authorised classification society. These societies develop and enforce technical standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of ships.

Well-known examples include DNV (Norway), Lloyd’s Register (UK), ABS (USA), and Bureau Veritas (France).

Core Responsibilities:

• Rule Development: Each society publishes a set of construction and equipment standards known as “Class Rules”. These define acceptable materials, construction methods, and performance thresholds.

• Plan Approval: Before construction begins, shipyards must submit technical drawings and calculations to the classification society for approval. This ensures that the ship's design complies with all safety and performance requirements.

• Inspection and Supervision: During construction, surveyors from the society conduct on-site inspections at key milestones—such as steel cutting, keel laying, block assembly, machinery installation, and sea trials.

• Certification: If the vessel passes all inspections, it is granted a Class Certificate. Without this, it cannot be registered under a flag state or obtain insurance.

In short: classification societies are the gatekeepers of safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance in shipbuilding.

How Classification Societies Guide the Newbuild Process

From day one of a new construction project, the classification society acts as a key stakeholder. Their involvement is continuous, not occasional.

Let’s take a closer look at the specific stages where their input is critical.

1. Design Approval

• What happens?

  The shipyard submits all structural, mechanical, and electrical plans to the society. These are reviewed to ensure that the design adheres to the applicable Class Rules and international standards (such as SOLAS, MARPOL, or ICLL).

• Why it matters:

  Early approval avoids costly rework later in the project. A design that is not compliant could lead to construction delays or require expensive redesigns.

2. Construction Supervision

• On-site inspections are carried out regularly. Surveyors check everything from weld quality and steel thickness to equipment installations.

• Key checkpoints include:

  • Hull fabrication and block assembly

  • Installation of engines and generators

  • Electrical and automation systems

  • Fire safety systems

  • Final sea trials

• Pro Tip:

• A shipowner or broker should stay informed about inspection schedules and any deviations found. Regular progress reports that include surveyor feedback help maintain transparency.

3. Certification and Commissioning

• Upon successful completion, the vessel receives its Class Certificate—along with certificates for load line, safety equipment, pollution prevention, etc.

• This certification is required to:

  • Register the ship with a flag state

  • Secure insurance

  • Enter into charter agreements

In short, no class certificate = no commercial operation.

Common Challenges in Working with Classification Societies

While classification societies are essential partners, working with them is not always straightforward. Here's where friction can occur—and how to handle it.

1. Delays in Plan Approval

• Why it happens: Technical documentation may be incomplete, or the design may deviate from Class Rules.

• Impact: Approval delays can push back the start of construction.

• Solution: Involve classification experts early in the design phase. Pre-consultation helps identify red flags before formal submission.

2. Inspection Bottlenecks

• Real-world example: If a yard completes multiple blocks at once, but only one surveyor is available, inspections get delayed.

• Solution: Coordinate inspection schedules proactively. If possible, align progress with the society’s availability.

3. Communication Gaps

• Problem: Misunderstandings can arise due to technical language, cultural differences, or assumptions about standards.

• Tip: Maintain a clear communication channel between the shipyard, owner’s representatives, and the society. A designated project manager helps bridge gaps.

4. Changing Standards

• Classification rules are periodically updated to reflect new safety or environmental requirements.

• A vessel designed under older rules may need retroactive modifications if construction takes too long.

• Solution: Monitor rule updates regularly and confirm the applicable version with the classification society at contract signing.

The Value of Good Cooperation

Despite the challenges, classification societies bring enormous value to the table:

✅ They improve build quality and reduce the risk of defects.

✅ They help ensure that the ship meets flag state and international requirements.

✅ They provide reassurance to banks, insurers, and charterers.

And most importantly: their certification protects lives, cargo, and the environment.

A smart broker or shipowner doesn’t just "tolerate" the society’s presence—they use it as a quality control tool and credibility booster.

Conclusion: Class First, Then Steel

In the fast-paced and high-stakes world of newbuild projects, classification societies are an essential partner—not an obstacle. They’re there to safeguard your investment, ensure long-term operability, and maintain trust in the global shipping industry.

Let’s recap:

🔹 Classification societies set and enforce technical standards in shipbuilding.

🔹 Their involvement spans the full project lifecycle—from design approval to sea trials.

🔹 Common issues include approval delays, inspection bottlenecks, and communication gaps.

🔹 Proactive engagement and transparency are key to smooth cooperation.

Have you had experience working with classification societies on a newbuild project?

What challenges or insights can you share?

💬 Drop your thoughts and stories in the comments—I look forward to the exchange!

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