Germanischer Lloyd Ship Classification - Maritime Service GL offers traditional classification services as well as expert advice, consultancy, advanced engineering, certification, training and software solutions. GL maritime experts are advisors to governments, IMO, flag states and port states. The ship classification Germanischer Lloyd belongs to the top five classification societies. Germanischer Lloyd is dedicated to ensuring the safety of life and property at sea, and the prevention of pollution of the marine environment. As an independent third party, Germanischer Lloyd develops state of the art rules, procedures and guidance for ship owners, ship yards and the maritime supply industry in order to offer commercially sound answers in times of economic challenges and tight regulatory regimes. Germanischer Lloyd is strong in the classification of container ships, tankers, bulk carriers, multipurpose vessels, high-speed ferries, cruise ships, mega-yachts and sport boats. GL's fleet in service amounts to 100 million gross tonnage. More than 7,200 ships are currently surveyed on a regular basis by GL surveyors. Besides traditional classification services of plan approval, inspection and certification of materials and components as well as technical assessment of ships in service, we put particular emphasis on ship energy efficiency and environmental issues. The new business line "Maritime Solutions" provides expert advice towards optimizing hull design, propeller performance, engine output, energy management, and even crew performance. In addition, our scope of services covers consultancy, advanced engineering, certification, training and software solutions. GL maritime experts are advisors to governments, IMO, flag states and port states.