Overview
DNV is the largest classification society by fleet tonnage, formed in 2013 from the merger of Norway's Det Norske Veritas (founded 1864) and Germanischer Lloyd (founded 1867). It classes around 13,000 vessels totalling 290 million GT — about a third of the world fleet — and is the dominant classer of LNG carriers, FPSOs, and offshore mobile drilling units. Headquartered in Høvik outside Oslo, DNV publishes some of the most widely-cited standards in offshore and maritime engineering (DNV-OS, DNV-RP series) and operates a substantial cyber-security, digital-twin, and decarbonisation advisory practice alongside its core class business.
Key facts
- Largest classer by GT (~290 M GT)
- Dominant in LNG, FPSO, and MODU class
- Formed 2013 (DNV + GL merger)
- IACS founding member
- HQ Høvik, Norway
Why it matters to seafarers
DNV class on tankers and LNG carriers means surveyors visit more frequently and Port State Control inspectors generally accept DNV survey reports without re-checking. The DNV Class Direct portal, accessible to masters and chief engineers via the manager's credentials, holds your vessel's full status report, outstanding conditions of class, and survey calendar — useful when planning hand-overs.