DNV and Brinav partner on autonomous shipping

Autonomous shipping, which includes both remote-controlled and fully unmanned vessels, offers significant benefits such as improved safety and reduced emissions. However, as these technologies are integrated into new and existing ships, new safety risks must be addressed.

“As the number of autonomous vessel projects increases, we believe that there will be an uptick in the use of this kind of technology across the maritime industry as the merchant fleet seeks improved efficiency and safety,” said Jarle Coll Blomhoff, Head of Digital Ship Systems at DNV said.

“We believe that, as a first step, verifying and approving the external situational awareness system is key for this development.

“An external situational awareness system will need to be as good or better than a human navigator and is one of the most important systems for realising autonomous vessel operation.”

Brinav, a leader in maritime autonomy and green technologies, is working to obtain Type Approval for its situational awareness and navigation systems. DNV will support Brinav in securing approvals for autonomous vessel functions and ensure compliance with safety standards.

The collaboration will also use DNV’s expertise in assuring novel technologies through the use of its 220 NM² test area near Qingdao’s Island for autonomous ship testing. This partnership is backed by the Smart Center, which focuses on digitalisation and decarbonisation in the maritime sector.

“Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships have emerged as a key focus in the global maritime industry,” said Jiang HaiYing, chief executive of Brinav.

“The development of MASS involves the integration of advanced technologies and interdisciplinary expertise, necessitating close cooperation between autonomous navigation system developers and classification societies.”