New DNV GL rules drive smart ships

Digital Features comprises three new notations – D-INF, DDV and REW – and will come into force on 1 January 2021. A new Smart vessel notation (Smat), a framework for assessing and visualising digital vessel features, has also been introduced.

“The pandemic has triggered a renaissance in the maritime industry, as we see greater and deeper adoption of digital solutions to enhance safety, sustainability and efficiency,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, chief executive of DNV GL – Maritime. “With the new Digital Features chapter, we have laid a clear class foundation for three of the most essential building blocks of maritime digitalisation.”

The Digital Features chapter (Pt.6 Ch.11) is supported by two new class guidelines and sets out the basic features of a smart vessel and how new digital solutions can be implemented to unlock new efficiencies and opportunities. The three initial notations to be offered are data collection infrastructure (D-INF), data-driven verification (DDV) and remote witnessing preparedness/network and connectivity (REW).

‘Smart vessel’ (Pt.6 Ch.5 Sec.24) is a voluntary notation that provides a framework for assessing and visualising digital vessel features. The three qualifiers (OPM, OPH and EEN) demonstrate a vessel is using enhancements that improve operations, efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.