DNV GL releases autonomous class guideline

The guideline addresses navigation, vessel engineering, remote control centres, and communications. Particular emphasis is given in the areas of cyber-security and software testing. The guideline helps those who would like to implement new concepts with a process towards obtaining approval under the alternative design requirements by the flag state. For novel technologies, suppliers can use the guideline to obtain an approval in principle.

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV GL, said: “We believe that growing levels of autonomy will enable cost efficiency.” He added it would also improve “safety and performance.”

The guideline is expected to help “continue development to define safety standards in autonomous vessels.”

Additive manufacturing

DNV GL has also released the first approval of manufacturer (AoM) scheme for additive manufacturing (AM) producers aiming to supply products that comply with the DNV GL rules and standards.

Additive manufacturing includes technologies such as 3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping (RP), Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM), layered manufacturing and additive fabrication. DNV GL said that maritime and oil and gas industries constitute about 5% of the total 3D-printing market and it will quickly become more important .

“It has the potential to save time and reduce costs and to provide flexibility within the shipping industry,” said Mr Orbeck-Nilssen.

As part of applying for AoM, manufacturers must firstly undertake a proof of concept to demonstrate that they have feasible technology and products.

Speaking about mega trends that will impact shipping in the next decades, Mr Orbeck-Nilssen said that the shipping market will remain competitive due to overcapacity in most segments and staying competitive through scale and innovation will be key to survival.

Increasing societal and regulatory pressure will force the industry to lower its environmental impact, leading to a more demanding operational framework, with higher expectations and higher costs, while green technology development will accelerate and gradually be implemented onboard to enable carbon friendly vessels, he added.

Connectivity will eventually transform shipping with this and innovation likely to yield efficiency gains throughout the maritime value chain, but managing cyber risks will be a challenge, Mr Orbeck-Nilssen stressed.