Lloyd?s Register-classed fleet reaches all time high

Lloyd?s Register?s classed fleet has reached an all time high of 113.8 million GT, surpassing the previous record of 113.7 million GT held in 1979. Taking into account world order book share, currently at 21.2 million GT, the combined tonnage of the existing fleet and ships on order far outstrips the 1979 total. The figure today is some 135 million GT, while in 1979, the combined total comprised some 124 million GT.

“This significant accomplishment demonstrates that we are successfully achieving our technical, safety and business objectives and that our clients recognise the value that we bring to their businesses. We look forward to continuing to work closely with owners, yards and the industry at large to help to ensure the continuing safety and quality of ships,” says Alan Gavin, Lloyd?s Register?s Marine Director.

During the 25 years since its previous high, 136 million GT of completions and transfers into class have taken place. In tonnage terms, collectively, over 75% have been oil tankers, bulk carriers and container ships. In terms of the number of ship, these three types collectively account for 50% of the classed fleet.

Other than these three main ship types, significant growth has been experienced in other sectors, most significantly in the specialised LNG and passenger ship markets. Of those built over the past 25 years, 45% of the existing LNG tanker tonnage and 46% of the existing cruise ship tonnage are currently classed by Lloyd?s Register.

“Our flexibility, responsiveness to the needs of shipowners and shipyards, global reach and technical expertise supported by extensive research and development have helped us to reach not only the all time high of 113.8 million GT, but also significant growth and progress in specialised sectors of the market,” says Gavin.

Lloyd?s Register continues to do well in the major shipbuilding countries, with over half of its 21.2 million GT order book placed in Korean yards. Currently, more ships are being built to Lloyd?s Register class in Korea than with any other classification society.