Maintaining naval combatants in ABS classification in-service

The American Bureau of Shipping and the Naval Sea Systems Command have been working together over the last several years in a measured initiative to develop and apply classification Rules for naval vessels, and currently both littoral combat ship (LCS) programs and the DDG-1000 program require that the vessels be built and delivered in class to the Naval Vessel Rules. In addition, the JHSV platform will be delivered in class with ABS. It has been decided that the LCS platforms will be retained in class as a part of their maintenance philosophy. If this is successful, then DD-1000 will also be retained in class. The JHSV, as are all Military Sealift Command ships, will be retained in class in-service. This paper reviews the background supporting this initiative, describes the concept of retention in class, outlines the approach adopted, and reviews the current status of application.