Lloyd's Register - Classification Society

Lloyd's Register Group Limited (LR) is a technical and business services organization and a maritime classification society, wholly owned by the Lloyds Register Foundation a UK charity dedicated to research and education in science and engineering. The organization dates to 1760. Its stated aims are to enhance the safety of life, property, and the environment, by helping its clients (including by validation, certification and accrediton) to ensure the quality construction and operation of critical infrastructure.

Historically, as Lloyd's Register of Shipping, it was a specifically maritime organization. During the late 20th century, it diversified into other industries including oil and gas, process industries nuclear, and rail. Through its 100% subsidiary Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance Ltd (LRQA), it is also a major vendor of independent assessment services, including management systems certification for quality certification to ISO9001, ISO4001 and OSHAS18001. Lloyd's Register is unaffiliated with Lloyd's of London

In July 2012, the organisation converted from an industrial and provident society to a company limited by shares, named Lloyd’s Register Group Limited, with the new Lloyd’s Register Foundation as the sole shareholder. At the same time, the organization gifted to the Foundation a substantial bond and equity portfolio to assist it with its charitable purposes. It will benefit from continued funding from the group’s operating arm, Lloyd’s Register Group Limited