The July 2026 edition of the DNV class rules and standards for ship and offshore
DNV Introduces New Class Notations and Updates for Maritime Industry Sustainability
In the maritime industry’s continuous drive towards sustainability and innovation, DNV has unveiled significant updates and new class notations in the July 2026 edition. These changes aim to support the industry’s transition towards more environmentally friendly practices and technological advancements. Let’s delve into the key modifications introduced in this latest edition.
NEED TO KNOW
The July 2026 edition of DNV’s rules and standards for the classification of ships and offshore units is set to come into effect on 1 January 2027, following a comprehensive hearing process that resulted in the publication of 92 documents. Among the new class notations are “Shore power ready,” “Battery ready,” and qualifiers to existing notations like “ER (ULEV).” Additionally, the FL notation specifies the design fatigue life for both ships and offshore units under defined operating conditions.
Notable Additions and Changes to DNV Ship Rules (DNV-RU-SHIP)
- New Class Notations:
- FL(Y, E): Design fatigue life under specified operating conditions
- Battery ready: Vessels prepared for battery installation
- Shore power ready: Vessels prepared for shore power installations
- New Qualifiers to Existing Class Notations:
- Tanker for liquefied gas (FSM)
- Fish carrier
- VCS (P, X kN/m)
- Gas bunker (LNG, LPG, NH, ETH)
- BCLIQ (Partial)
- ER (ULEV)
- Other Important Changes:
- Structural arrangement adjustments
- Fire safety rule updates
- Service vessels requirements relaxed
- Icebreaker design flexibility improvements
- Direct analysis of ship structures modifications
- Gas-fuelled hydrogen rules concept amendmentMain Changes to Offshore Class
- New class notation FL(Y) for design fatigue life specification
- FMS notation updates with qualifiers for fatigue factors
- New class notation NUI for normally unmanned installations
- In-service class scope rewritten for floating wind farms
- DNV-OS-A101 restructuring for common and service-specific requirementsDNV emphasizes that the updated rules can be applied to projects contracted before the entry-into-force date with mutual agreement from all parties involved. The next main rule edition is slated for release in July 2027, with potential interim amendments announced in the Rules & Standards Explorer.
Recommendations
Stakeholders are advised by DNV to familiarize themselves with these changes well in advance of their implementation.
For more detailed information, refer to the DNV Rules & Standards Explorer on Veracity: R&S Explorer – Publications.