The recommended practice (RP) is designed to highlight emerging safety gaps in digitalisation and complex vessel systems
DNV has published a new recommended practice following a joint development project, initiated in 2020 by Qatari shipping firm Nakilat.
Nakilat partnered with DNV as well as shipyards DSME, Hudong, HHI, SHI and system suppliers ABB, Honeywell, Kongsberg and Wärtsilä on a joint development project (JDP) to elevate software reliability and maintenance during operations.
Critical vessel functions rely heavily on computerised software-based systems that are becoming more complex, automated and integrated. Software failures or reliability issues can result in significant safety risks and loss of revenue.
The RP is designed to highlight emerging safety gaps rooted in the maritime industry’s rapid digitalisation and the increasingly complex systems onboard vessels. The guidance is centred on the handling of software and computer-based systems throughout a vessel’s lifecycle, from design to construction, commissioning, and operation.
Focusing on system integration and software change handling, the RP is also designed to assist in establishing maintenance plans, service level agreements and lifecycle warranties for software and to provide a way to assess project timelines and risks. Some examples include alignment across sister vessels and recommendations to increase the interoperability of vessel software at both the newbuilding phase and onboard an operational vessel.
DNV added that the RP may be used as a contractual element/requirement in newbuilding or conversion projects, and as guidelines for suppliers, system integrators and owners/operators to check compliance and the ongoing status of systems.
DNV CEO Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen said “Addressing these emerging risks is essential to our mission as a classification society, but it requires a collective effort. This is why we are very pleased that there is such a strong industry participation in this project, as it further underlines the growing importance of this topic.”
The guidance document can be accessed here.
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