First type approval system for cyber enabled components

The type approval procedure will address production quality assessment in the supply chain, marine environment testing for cyber enabled components and verification of the cyber functions, such as communication and cyber security.

LR marine & offshore innovation strategy and research director, Luis Benito, said: “Type approval will work together with LR’s Cyber Enabled ShipRight document, providing type approved components to use in cyber systems, such as predictive maintenance and performance optimisation.”

He added: “Together this offers the complete cyber solution for the future, from components to systems to functions.”

Smart technology

The procedure marks recognition of the evolution of smart technology implementation within the marine and offshore industry.

Shipyards and designers will be able to select type approved component parts to build cyber-enabled ‘smart’ ship systems.

Manufacturers of components will also be able to demonstrate their product as meeting LR’s requirements.

Activity requirements

In February 2016, LR issued its first guidance on cyber-enabled ships. This identified the elements that constitute a cyber-enabled ship and the activities that need to take place to ensure that cyber technology does not introduce a safety risk.

This was followed with the introduction of the industry’s first ShipRight procedure, which details LR’s framework for accepting cyber technology at varying levels of autonomy and identifying the assessments, processes and considerations that need to be followed.

The first ships to be classed with LR’s cyber notations were delivered in May this year.