Drones, remote inspection technologies and insights on cyber security were some of the main topics discussed at the DNV GL Innovation Day in Singapore.
The Innovation Day kicked off with a presentation from Dr Pierre Sames, DNV GL Group Technology & Research Director, on DNV GL’s Technology Outlook 2025. This report, which is published every five years, offers insights into the technology landscape for the next decade and showcases the technologies and solutions, which could shape different industry sectors.
For example, DNV GL expects an accelerated uptake of cyberphysical systems. These systems comprise of physical components that can be monitored, controlled and optimised by smart sensors, advanced software and actuators. “Modern ships are becoming highly automated and are increasingly dependent on software-based control systems. Advances are likely to be applied to machinery systems first and then move gradually to vessel navigation systems, which will increasingly rely on advanced software and sensors to alert the navigator of possible hazards and propose appropriate courses of action to maintain safety,' said Dr Sames.
Drone Inspection Surveys
After successfully conducting ten drone surveys, Catrine Vestereng, Business Director Tankers at DNV GL, shared the classification society’s experiences with using drones to inspect ship tanks and cargo holds. The presentation also included a live demonstration of a drone in operation.
Using camera equipped drones to check the condition of remote structural components can accelerate the survey process, eliminate the risk of damage to the coating, and significantly reduce the costs of as well as the time spent on erecting scaffolding and improve safety. The next steps for DNV GL include developing guidelines and training for drone surveys, as well as potentially updating the rules to reflect the use of remote inspection techniques.
Digital Twin
Catrine Vestereng also presented DNV GL’s digital twin solution. A digital twin is a digital copy of a vessel, which synthesises the information available in the digital world, virtualising all of its systems. Sensor data, remote monitoring and analytics made possible by the digital twin enable more profitable, safe and sustainable operations.
Recommended Practice on Cyber Security
With new communications technologies deployed in the shipping world, cyber security is a concern and needs to become an integral part of overall safety management in shipping, said Patrick Rossi, Senior Cyber Security Product Manager at DNV GL. He presented a new Recommended Practice (RP) on Cyber Security. The RP provides guidance on risk assessment, general improvements to cyber security, and the verification of security improvements and management systems. It covers some of the most common threats to maritime assets, such as vulnerabilities in the electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), the manipulation of AIS tracking data, as well as jamming and spoofing of GPS and other satellite-based tracking systems.
Hull Integrity Management
Kevin Brunn, Head of Clients and Markets, Maritime Software at DNV GL, explained how the smart hull integrity management software ShipManager Hull, which uses a 3D-model of a vessel, could help customers manage hull inspection information over the lifecycle of their vessels and use this information more effectively to derive benefits. The benefits include increasing the operating lifetime of a vessel, decreasing the total cost of ownership and achieving better transparency of hull condition and any anomalies as well as ensuring more accurate drydock planning.
Verif-Eye
The Innovation Day finished off with a presentation on Verif-Eye, one of DNV GL’s latest innovation projects. This technology is currently being tested in several projects. Verif-Eye involves the use of cameras and distributed control systems (DCS) interfaces for surveyor-less surveys, remote inspections and real-time 24/7 support for customers.
The Future of Shipping and Drone Technology in SWZ Maritime
SWZ Maritime's November issue (to be published 25 November) will also delve into the future of shipping by discussing amongst others Marin's views on the future of research and the NISS' Blueprint 2050. In addition, an article on drone technology gives some examples of how drones are currently being used in maritime industry. Do not miss it and become a subsriber today!
Picture: Live demonstration of the Verif-Eye at the Innovation Day.
