Senior management from BVT – a joint venture between BAE Systems and VT Group – the Ministry of Defence and Lloyd’s Register met in Lloyd’s Register’s London Boardroom today, to sign a contract for survey during construction of the Royal Navy’s two new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.
Under the contract, Lloyd’s Register EMEA will perform the surveys required to assign the selected class notations from Lloyd’s Register’s Naval Ship Rules. This will make a substantial contribution to the safety and technical assurance required by the Ministry of Defence, and build on the design appraisal and support work already undertaken.
The signatures of Richard Sadler, Lloyd’s Register’s Chief Executive and David Goodfellow, Shipbuild Director for the Aircraft Carrier Alliance (ACA), formally completed the deal, which will see Lloyd’s Register EMEA help the project assure the implementation of the design standards and establish consistent safety and technical requirements for the organisations involved, across multiple sites in the UK.
Richard Sadler, Lloyd’s Register’s Chief Executive said: “It is Lloyd’s Register that has pioneered the concept of naval class, and in doing so we have created something quite unique in the construction of naval ships. So it is a great pleasure for us to sign this agreement today. Not only will this project be the biggest naval project we have engaged in, but probably the biggest in Lloyd’s Register’s history.
“I am confident that in developing this great venture, the relationships we have built so far will be strong enough to meet all the challenges we must inevitably face, and lead to creation of something that is truly world-beating.”
Speaking after the signing, David Goodfellow said “The signing of this contract is a significant step forward on the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier programme. Once complete, these ships will mark a step-change in capability for the Royal Navy, which is why ensuring the involvement of Lloyd’s Register at this stage is so important.
“The ACA’s ultimate goal is to ensure both aircraft carriers are of the highest standard when they are handed over to the Royal Navy and the involvement of Lloyd’s Register in the programme will assist us in achieving this.”
The classification society has been working closely with BVT and other members of the ACA, the consortium charged with delivering the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier project. Lloyd’s Register has provided technical expertise in key areas to solve problems, support critical decisions, and review progress and compliance throughout the early stages of the design process, concluding with formal design appraisal for the hull structure, machinery and systems. Lloyd’s Register has also been engaged in certifying critical components in the project’s supply chain through its network of surveyors around the world.
This latest contract will see Lloyd’s Register EMEA act as an independent third party, verifying aspects of the construction, and delivering through specialist technical staff embedded in the ACA’s and contractor’s project offices around UK.
Ian Miller, UK Naval Business Manager for Lloyd’s Register, said: “Naval classification represents an efficient and cost effective assurance process because it is targeted; focusing on the key areas based on the risks they pose to ship safety. Lloyd’s Register uses patrol activities as well as targeted direct survey so that a small, highly specialised team at modest cost can cover a significant amount ship building activity.
“Through a permanent presence on site, Lloyd’s Register can provide an immediate response to technical issues reducing production delays and enabling delegated decision making on the shop floor.
“The planned assurance activities have been tailored to meet the regulatory requirements of the Naval Authorities and MoD client requirements, reducing need for justification work by ACA.”
