New Naval Authority for UK Ministry of Defence

Lloyd's Register has been authorised by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to undertake structure, watertight integrity and stability certification duties for the entire UK MoD surface fleet. Full structural safety certificates for all support ships, including ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Hydrographic Service, can now be issued directly by Lloyd's Register. Partial authorisation has been granted for all other ships, and this includes front line warships, several of which are already in Lloyd's Register class or are progressing towards entry.

"This is a significant moment in the history of the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy", said Doug Pattison, the UK MoD's sea technology group leader and naval authority for naval architecture certification. "For the first time ever we see the opportunity for a classification society to be formally established in the naval ship regulatory process. With the publication of the Naval Ship Rules, I believe Lloyd's Register is now in a leading position to support naval shipping from cradle to grave in a manner that is entirely consistent with the MoD's Smart Acquisition policy."

Vaughan Pomeroy, Lloyd's Register naval classification director said "These authorisations will offer the UK MoD the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to operating ships within a formal regulatory regime that is equivalent, to the maximum extent possible, to that applied to merchant shipping. In addition, by using well-established commercial sector practices, the MoD will be able to achieve cost benefits. Lloyd's Register looks forward to working with the MoD in providing the services on behalf of the naval authority."