Assuring the safety and capability of crewed naval vessels
Crewed vessels remain the backbone of the world’s navies, despite the growing use of autonomous systems. In recent years many navies have commissioned the construction of large numbers of crewed ships to strengthen their ability to project force at sea.
Every one of these ships will become a home and workplace for hundreds of people, who live aboard for months at a time, operating in hostile, high-risk environments. Human-centric considerations covering safety, operational efficiency and comfort must be baked into design from the outset and monitored and maintained throughout a vessel’s life.
These platforms represent significant investments for their flag states and therefore require comprehensive assurance they will operate as intended. Not only is the monetary cost of failure huge, but the potential for loss of life carries lasting human, political and strategic consequences.
Crewed vessels commonly remain in service for decades, requiring regular in-life support and in many cases life-extension programmes to ensure their operability beyond their intended lifespan.
How LR helps
LR has supported crewed naval vessels for more than 150 years, providing independent technical advice and certification that helps shipyards, prime contractors and defence organisations apply recognised standards and make sound engineering decisions. LR is the only class society with the breadth and depth to support a naval programme with in-depth advisory and assurance across the entire lifecycle - from the drawing board through new construction, in-service operations, life extension and eventual decommission.
