The OCX standard enables shipyards and designers to collaborate with classification societies in a digital, future-focused approach.

Lloyd’s Register  will assume the Chair of The Open Class 3D Exchange  Consortium this month (January 2026).

LR’s Nathan Lindop will take over as both Chair and Coordinator of the Consortium, succeeding DNV’s Ole Christian Astrup, who has held the position since the group’s formation in 2019.

The planned rotation comes as the initiative moves from its early development phase into broader industry adoption, with more shipyards, designers and technology providers now building the OCX standard directly into their digital toolsets.

OCX is a 3D model-based class approval standard designed to enable seamless exchange of geometry and metadata between various design and classification software. OCX 3D models can also replace traditional 2D structure drawings for classification, saving time for shipyards and helping class associations respond faster to designers’ needs.

The Consortium, which has grown to 40 members, is at the forefront of efforts to streamline data exchange and improve collaboration across the ship design and classification process. OCX aims to reduce duplication, cut manual re-work and support a more integrated digital workflow between yards, designers and class.

Lindop’s appointment is expected to bring renewed focus to strengthening implementation and widening uptake of the standard as more companies pursue digital transformation strategies. As Coordinator, he will also guide the Consortium’s technical direction as it develops new capabilities and expands its scope.

Nathan Lindop said: “I am excited to be taking over the Chair and Coordinator of the Consortium. This transition positions LR to play a central role in the next phase of OCX’s evolution, as the maritime industry continues to push for greater interoperability and efficiency in digital design and classification workflows.”

Ole Christian Astrup said: “I am pleased to hand over the role from DNV to Lloyd’s Register and Nathan Lindop. This demonstrates that the initiative is firmly anchored within the maritime industry and will pave the way for the future.”

LR’s role in the OCX Consortium reinforces its reputation as a key player in guiding the maritime industry through its digital journey.  Through its Digital Transformation Research Programme, LR collaborates closely with industry stakeholders to serve as a comprehensive hub for cutting-edge insights and the latest developments, advancing knowledge around digital class, innovation, and cyber security, addressing both technical and regulatory challenges.