Industry, environmental and political pressures have led to a need to develop new rules for oil tanker structures. As a result, early in 2002, Lloyd’s Register, ABS and DNV joined forces with the objectives of eliminating variations in minimum structural standards and providing an enhanced level of structural durability. The Rules form a single, robust structural design standard drawing upon the accumulated new-construction and in-service experience from each of the three societies. Throughout their development, the new Rules have been discussed with an external review group that includes shipbuilders, shipowners, designers and independent consultants.

Lloyd’s Register has assessed a range of standard designs from the world's leading shipbuilders and is working with many more on similar projects. These cover the whole range of tanker sizes and are in addition to those used in the joint Rule project. As a result, the Lloyd’s Register Group has gained a comprehensive understanding of the implications of the new Rules on the scantlings of typical oil tanker configurations, and their personnel in plan approval centres have acquired expertise in the application of the new Rules. This network of experts has helped to train key employees in local offices so that they can provide clients with face-to-face advice and guidance. The transfer of knowledge and understanding from the Rule development team to the front line employees is considered to be a critical element of Lloyd’s Register’s implementation of the common tanker Rules.

The new Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Oil Tankers over or equal to 150 metres in length will be published on January 1, 2005 and effective from July 1, 2005. They will supersede the current rules for oil tankers over 150 metres for Lloyd’s Register, ABS and DNV.