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Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Latsco have successfully completed a proof-of-concept for a new standard in digital class assurance with data-driven surveys.  

This collaboration aims to demonstrate how verified operational vessel data can fully meet class survey requirements, without compromising safety, integrity, or technical rigour.  

The proof-of-concept was conducted on the vessel HELLAS MARGARITA during an active voyage to Singapore. Using LR’s approved Digital Survey Test Procedure, the project team remotely tested, recorded and verified the vessel’s auxiliary engine alarms, controls, shutdowns and safety systems through raw data capture.   

The process was then validated by a physical inspection, confirming that the digital approach using raw data delivered the same level of assurance, accuracy, and safety as traditional methods. 

The results confirmed that data-driven methodologies can match and potentially exceed the technical assurance and data integrity of conventional onboard physical surveys. While existing regulations still require physical attendance for survey requirements, this project demonstrates how verified operational data could allow for more efficient, transparent, and scalable compliance processes, reducing the need for physical attendance and enabling smarter fleet management. 

Following the project success, LR and Latsco plan to jointly extend the methodology test across additional vessels and systems to validate the framework repeatability with the aim to establish a pilot scheme for digital class assurance.  

Elina Papageorgiou, Vice President Greece and Cyprus, Lloyd’s Register, said: “This proof of concept gives confidence that digitalisation is an enabler within the maritime industry without compromising safety or integrity. By validating the use of verified operational data for survey assurance, we’re taking an important step towards a smarter, more connected maritime industry.”   

Konstantinos Chatzitolios, Lead Client Relationship Manager, Lloyd’s Register, added: “Working closely with Latsco on this project has shown how strong collaboration and shared innovation can accelerate the adoption of digital class solutions. The success of this trial demonstrates what can be achieved when operational excellence and digital capability come together to redefine the future of ship classification.” 

Antonis Georgantzis, COO, Latsco, said: “This initiative proves that trusted operational data can be used to credit survey requirements without compromising safety or technical integrity, while giving our vessels greater flexibility within increasingly tight trading schedules. This new approach will gradually reshape how we work, starting today.” 

Iasonas Zacharioudakis, Technology Manager, Latsco, added: “Using telemetry, we verified that survey items can be credited on data-proven judgements with enhanced transparency and trust compared to the traditional approach. Raw data becomes a real operational and safety advantage.” 

LR’s Digital Transformation Research Programme continues to advance the industry’s understanding of how digital technologies can enhance assurance, safety and operational performance. Central to this programme is the Digital Maturity Index (DMI), a framework designed to help shipowners assess and progress their digital capabilities. Remote surveys, such as the one demonstrated in this project, represent a key application within the DMI, showcasing how verified operational data can be used to deliver robust, data-driven assurance while supporting more efficient and resilient vessel operations.