New DNV RP on software reliability

The joint development partnership, which was initiated in 2020 by Nakilat, has resulted in a new DNV Recommended Practice (DNV-RP-0582), published in June 2021.

Critical vessel functions are relying more and more on computerised systems meaning they are vulnerable to software failures. To help address these risks, DNV and Nakilat brought together shipyards DSME, Hudong, HHI and SHI, with system suppliers ABB, Honeywell, Kongsberg and Wartsila, to contribute to the development of the RP.

“Our recent white paper highlighted an emerging safety gap in shipping rooted in the rapid digitalisation of the industry and the increasingly complex on-board systems of modern vessels,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, chief executive of DNV Maritime.

“The RP is designed to help owners and operators deal with software in the same way they would machinery or other physical systems on board and with the RP now available, we hope to see this implemented soon in both newbuildings and the existing fleet,” he added.

The RP provides guidance on the handling of computer-based systems and may also be used as a contractual requirement in newbuilding or conversion projects or as guidelines to check compliance and the ongoing status of systems.

The RP can also help in establishing maintenance plans, service level agreements and life cycle warranties, helps with assessing project timelines and risks, and gives recommendations on increasing the interoperability of software and systems.