- Lloyd’s Register (LR) has revised its Rules for the Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) checkpoint regime at the new construction stage, effective 1 January 2025.
- Changes include checkpoint reductions, revised requirements for addressing defects, and enhanced shipbuilder responsibilities for monitoring and reporting.
- Applicable to both commercial and naval ships, particularly multi-deck vessels like passenger ships, PCCs, PCTCs, ro-ro vessels, and Naval NS1 ships.
Responding to industry feedback, Lloyd’s Register (LR) has introduced amendments to its Rules for the Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) checkpoint regime, focusing on enhancing inspection efficiency and addressing defect management during ship construction. The revisions, applicable to both commercial and naval ships, will come into effect on 1 January 2025.
Applicability of the Changes
The updated Rules are particularly significant for multi-deck vessels, including:
- Passenger ships
- Pure car carriers (PCC)
- Pure car and truck carriers (PCTC)
- Ro-ro and ropax vessels
- Naval NS1 vessels
Key Revisions to LR Rules
The amendments affect the following documents:
- Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships
- Part 3, Chapter 10, Section 2
- Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Naval Ships
- Volume 1, Part 6, Chapter 6, Section 4
Summary of Changes
- Reduction of Checkpoint Numbers:
- Certain locations will have fewer checkpoints, except for highly stressed areas, or those identified by Structural Design Analysis (SDA), Fatigue Design Assessment (FDA), or critical locations per the Construction Monitoring (CM) plan.
- Revised Planar Defect Handling:
- Additional checkpoints are now required when planar defects are identified.
- Weld Crossover Sections:
- Clarified requirements for checkpoint lengths in these areas.
- Shipbuilder Monitoring and Reporting:
- Shipbuilders must now actively monitor NDE results, implement corrective measures for increased defect rates, and periodically share these reports with LR surveyors.
What Shipbuilders Should Do Next
Shipbuilders are advised to familiarize themselves with these updates to ensure compliance with the revised checkpoint regime by the effective date. Enhanced monitoring and reporting practices will be critical to meet LR’s updated requirements, ensuring defects are identified and addressed efficiently during construction.
By adopting these revisions, Lloyd’s Register continues its commitment to safety and quality in ship construction while addressing industry needs for streamlined and effective inspection processes.
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Source: Llyod’s Register
