Lloyd’s Register (LR) has published new guidance for using digital 3D models in classification approval, providing shipyards and designers with an alternative to traditional 2D plans during the early stages of structural review.
The classification society said the LR-GN-066 Guidance Notes for Digital 3D Models establish a framework for using intelligent 3D models as part of the structural plan approval process. LR believes the publication is the first dedicated maritime guidance of its kind.
The guidance is aimed at shipyards, designers and shipowners already using digital models during vessel design, construction and manufacturing.
LR said 3D models are increasingly becoming the primary source of engineering information across these processes, while established classification standards have traditionally been centred on 2D shipbuilding plans.
The new framework sets out the characteristics that digital models should have when submitted to support structural approval. Requirements covered include file formats, model organisation, metadata, levels of structural detail, revision control and submission procedures.
Rather than requiring shipyards to create separate digital assets specifically for classification review, LR said the guidance is intended to allow models already being used within design and manufacturing processes to form part of the approval workflow.
The approach is intended to reduce duplication while improving consistency between vessel design, production and classification activities.
Use of the guidance is voluntary and non-prescriptive. LR said the framework has been designed to work across different software environments, while allowing shipyards, designers and technology providers to develop alternative methods capable of producing equivalent or improved results.
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João Estevens, Senior Specialist at Lloyd’s Register, said: “For many projects, the most complete representation of a vessel now exists in a digital model. By defining what information should be included, how it should be structured and how it can be reviewed, we are giving clients greater clarity on how to use those digital assets to support class approval and maximise the value of the work they are already doing.”
Digital models submitted under the framework can also be reviewed and managed through LR’s Digital Workbench platform.
LR said it plans to continue working with shipyards, designers and software providers on digital approaches to the approval process while maintaining requirements around safety, quality and compliance.
The LR-GN-066 Guidance Notes for Digital 3D Models are dated July 2026 and have been made available through the classification society’s Regs4ships service.
