Classification society - DNV and Navigation Brilliance (Brinav), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on autonomous collaboration.
Under the terms of the MOU, the two companies aim to fast-track the development and approval of autonomous and remote-controlled shipping technologies, to encourage a safer and more efficient maritime industry.
New safety risks
Autonomous shipping, ranging from remote control operations to fully unmanned vessels, represents a significant advancement in the maritime industry.
The technology can deliver a wide range of benefits, from improved safety to reduced emissions. However, as autonomy is gradually implemented in newbuilds and existing vessels making them increasingly more connected and integrated, new safety risks must be considered.
Autonomous vessel functions
The signing of this MOU signifies a wider collaboration effort between DNV and Brinav
The signing of this MOU signifies a wider collaboration effort between DNV and Brinav, and a strategic step towards realising the potential of the technology.
Brinav, a specialist in maritime autonomy and green technologies, has started the work to obtain the Type Approval of their situational awareness system, and will also work towards obtaining the Type Approvals necessary for its autonomous navigation, remote-control, and navigation assistance products. DNV will support Brinav with the approval of autonomous vessel functions.
New-building projects
The collaborative efforts include developing assurance for novel technologies with DNV’s expertise, utilising the 220 NM² test area around Nv Island in Qingdao for autonomous ship testing, and supporting Brinav in approval of autonomous functions in new-building projects.
They are fully supported with joint expertise from DNV, Qingdao Station and Technical Centre China, facilitated by Smart Centre, an organisation which is dedicated to collaboration with pioneering customers in the areas of digitalisation and decarbonisation.
Autonomous navigation system
Jiang HaiYing, CEO of Brinav highlighting the importance of this collaboration, said: "Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) have emerged as a key focus in the global maritime industry, driven by collaborative efforts across the sector."
Jiang HaiYing adds, "The development of MASS involves the integration of advanced technologies and interdisciplinary expertise, necessitating close cooperation between autonomous navigation system developers and classification societies. We look forward to actively exploring cooperation opportunities with DNV to jointly promote MASS technology development."
External situational awareness system
Jarle Coll Blomhoff, Head of Digital Ship Systems at DNV, said: "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. We believe that, as a first step, verifying and approving the external situational awareness system is key for this development."
Jarle Coll Blomhoff adds, "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. We very much look forward to this cooperation with Brinav."