Since we sent our first surveyor to Shanghai in 1869, we have supported China’s huge transformation into today's global powerhouse.
Our shared story is one of people, partnership and innovation, and we look forward to supporting China’s next chapter as Lloyd’s Register evolves into a trusted maritime adviser to drive performance across the ocean economy.
Key dates 1869
In 1869, surveyor Joseph J Tucker opened LR’s first Asian office in Shanghai on the Nanking Road.
1865
In 1865, the first modern shipyard in China opened in Jiangnan, Shanghai. Survey work included tea clippers as well as vessels built in this shipyard locally.
1920s
By the 1920s, LR surveyors had become renowned throughout Shanghai shipping circles.
1960s
In the 1960s, LR carried out statutory surveys on behalf of the Chinese government under international shipping conventions.
1978
In 1978, LR signed a reciprocal survey agreement with the Register of Shipping of the People’s Republic of China.
1980
In 1980, we opened up a regional presence in Hong Kong, followed by permanent offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Dalian.
1982
In 1982, the 28,076 tons deadweight Regent Tampopo was completed and classified by LR, the first major ship built in modern China for export.
Regent Tampopo 1982 (When the 28,076 tons deadweight Regent Tampopo was completed to LR class at the Dalian Shipyard in 1982, it became the first major ship built in modern China for export)
1985
In 1985, Pokan Wu became the first LR Country Manager to reside in China since the Second World War. LR employees went on to play a key role in raising standards in Chinese shipyards.
1980s
By the mid 1980s, LR was also inspecting various equipment and facilities built under license in China, such as pressure vessels, main and auxiliary air receivers, power machine plants and electrical machinery built to LR class, plus factories for the manufacture of marine electric cables, the manufacture of deck cranes and steering machinery. Several steelworks and Dalian Shipyard had also been approved by LR for the manufacture of cast anchor and chain cables.
1985
In 1985, Pokan Wu became the first LR Country Manager to reside in China since the Second World War. LR employees went on to play a key role in raising standards in Chinese shipyards.
1980s
By the mid 1980s, LR was also inspecting various equipment and facilities built under license in China, such as pressure vessels, main and auxiliary air receivers, power machine plants and electrical machinery built to LR class, plus factories for the manufacture of marine electric cables, the manufacture of deck cranes and steering machinery. Several steelworks and Dalian Shipyard had also been approved by LR for the manufacture of cast anchor and chain cables.
1992
1992, was the start of LR’s long involvement in China’s offshore industry beginning with the Arco China Inc. Yacheng 13-1 gas project.
1994
In 1994 LR opened a non-marine office in Beijing to cover inspection, certification, design approval and offer advice on safety and environmental systems. The new office provided a base for LR’s range of services to the land-based and offshore industry in the region.
1996
In 1996, LR began delivering accredited Management Systems Assessment, Certification and Training services in China. Today, our Business Assurance division has over 2000 clients, across all of the major sectors in China and covering more than 25 global standards and schemes as well as a range of public and in-house training courses.
1998
By 1998, our employees were inspecting over 100,000 locally built containers for leading clients such as Maersk and Sea Containers. As China fast became the world’s foremost manufacturing economy, LR’s office network also supported enormous growth in asset management and quality assurance work.
2017
In 2017 - LR Classed the world’s largest civilian hospital ship in China, the 36000 ton in Xingang SY.
2017
In 2017, China’s first smart ship, classed by LR, embedded with a domestically-developed intelligent navigation system made its debut in Shanghai. The 179-meter-long ship, Great Intelligence, developed by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), was installed with SOMS, a China-Developed marine system with autonomous learning ability and intelligent operation system.
2019
In Oct 2019 – the first cruise ship built in China to be classed by LR.
2019
In November 2019, China’s first domestically built research icebreaker, Xuelong 2, embarked on its maiden polar voyage as part of China’s 36th Antarctic expedition. Classed by LR, the vessel is 122.5 meters long and 22.3 meters wide and can sail on 60-day expeditions with 90 crew members and researchers. Building work began in 2016.
2019
LR announces a strategic partnership cooperation agreement with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Research Institute of Safety and Environment Technology (Rise).
2021
LR classed the world-first new built LPG dual fuel 86k Cubm VLGC in Jiangnan Shipyard for Wideshine.
2022
LR worked with Hudong and Jiangnan shipyard, to approve and class the world largest Container ship 24k TEU at the time. it is a design developed by Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. and constructed in Jiangnan for Evergreen.
2023
LR classed a Landing Platform Dock for exporting to Thai Navy, which is largest Naval Ship being exported by Chinese Shipyard to an external country.