In the shipbuilding and offshore industry, many companies often ask: What is Class Society Certification? How does the approval process work? How can we apply for it?
It is important to clarify that the correct term is “Class Society Approval”, rather than certification in the sense of ISO9001 or CCC. While the term ‘certification’ is sometimes used in the market, class society approval is a technical conformity assessment system with stricter requirements.
Class societies provide classification services (ensuring compliance with their rules and standards) and statutory services (on behalf of flag states according to IMO conventions). Their role is critical to ensure the safety, reliability, and environmental compliance of ships, offshore facilities, and related equipment.
Womic Steel’s Class Society Approvals and Production Range
Womic Steel is a specialized manufacturer and supplier of high-quality steel products for the marine and offshore industry. Our core production includes:
1. Steel Pipes: Seamless, ERW, SSAW, LSAW, galvanized pipes, stainless steel pipes.
2. Pipe Fittings: Elbows, tees, reducers, caps, and flanges.
3. Steel Plates: Shipbuilding steel plates, pressure vessel plates, structural steel plates.
We hold approvals from eight major international class societies, including:
- CCS China Classification Society
- ABS American Bureau of Shipping
- DNV Det Norske Veritas
- LR Lloyd’s Register
- BV Bureau Veritas
- NK Nippon Kaiji Kyokai
- KR Korean Register
- RINA Registro Italiano Navale
Types of Class Society Approvals
Depending on the product and application, class societies issue different types of approvals:
1. Works Approval: Evaluation of the manufacturer’s overall production capability and quality management system.
2. Type Approval: Confirmation that a specific product design complies with class rules.
3. Product Approval: Inspection and approval of a specific batch or individual product.
Key Differences from Standard Certification
- Authority: Issued directly by leading class societies (CCS, DNV, ABS, etc.) with global credibility.
- Technical Expertise: Focuses not only on product quality, but also on operational safety and environmental performance.
- Market Value: Class-approved certificates are often a mandatory requirement for shipyards and shipowners.
- Strict Requirements: Higher entry barriers for manufacturers in terms of facilities, R&D capability, and quality assurance.
Class Society Approval Process
Here is a simplified flow of the approval process:
1. Application Submission: The manufacturer submits product and company documentation.
2. Document Review: Technical files, design drawings, and QA/QC systems are evaluated.
3. Factory Audit: Surveyors visit the factory to review production facilities and quality control.
4. Product Testing: Type tests, sample inspections, or witness testing may be required.
5. Approval Issuance: Upon compliance, the class society issues the relevant approval certificate.
Why Choose Womic Steel?
1. Comprehensive Class Approvals: Certified by the world’s top eight class societies.
2. Wide Product Range: Pipes, fittings, flanges, and plates available with class society certificates.
3. Strict Quality Control: Compliance with IMO conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, IGC, etc.).
4. Reliable Delivery: Strong production capacity and secure raw material supply ensure timely shipments.
5. Global Service: Marine packaging, professional logistics, and cooperation with surveyors worldwide.
Conclusion
Class Society Approval is the “passport” for suppliers in the shipbuilding and offshore industry. For critical products such as steel pipes, fittings, flanges, and plates, possessing valid approval certificates is not only a requirement but also a key advantage in winning projects.
Womic Steel is committed to providing class-approved products and solutions, supporting shipyards and shipowners worldwide with reliable and certified steel materials.
We pride ourselves on our customization services, fast production cycles, and global delivery network, ensuring your specific needs are met with precision and excellence.
Website: www.womicsteel.com
Email: sales@womicsteel.com
Tel/WhatsApp/WeChat: Victor: +86-15575100681 or Jack: +86-18390957568
Post time: Sep-11-2025