The RN and RFA have historically migrated from specific Naval Standard rules to utilising Lloyds as a Standards Authority. RN and RFA vessels are in Class for Machinery and Hull continuous survey. Xpedite maintains close collaboration with Lloyds Register on all Class-related matters, facilitating maintenance approval, survey schedules, and the resolution of conditions of class. This partnership supports the Royal Navy Project Team in achieving optimal service delivery through Class notations. Xpedite was also integral in developing the Lloyds functionality with the RN preferred Maintenance Management System (UMMS). This enhanced both the Surveyor and ship staff user experience.

Xpedite has supported RN and RFA Project Teams to implement Lloyds. This work involves liaising with Lloyds, the MoD Platform Authority, and the MoD Configuration holder. The main elements of the projects included:

• Aligning the ship’s config data with Lloyds Master List Items on Class Direct
• Initiating system software updates where required
• Populating survey tasks within the MMS
• Creating Job Information cards to facilitate the work
• Associating survey jobs with Lloyds flagged assets
• Scheduling the survey tasks in the MMS to align with Class Direct

It was highlighted that the main outcomes that would add the most significant value were:

• Lloyds should be embedded within the Waterfront Teams for large complex vessels
• Provide ships staff with prior warning of Lloyds survey activities to allow the proactive preparation of machinery, tanks, and equipment (e.g., tanks opened up and gas freed prior to Lloyds arrival)
• Extensive intrusive surveys should be planned for just prior to docking periods to allow any unplanned remedial activities to be scheduled

It is considered that implementing and aligning with Class adds significant assurance, rigour, and efficiency. The key to it being successful is by doing it in an effective and pragmatic manner.

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