DNV’s recently published D-INF(data collection infrastructure and vessel connectivity) class notation proves its worth as a powerful quality assurance tool in three first approval projects for digital infrastructure solutions developed by COSCO, Kongsberg Digital and Samsung Heavy Industries(SHI).
Digitalization of the maritime industry is set to radically enhance the operational efficiency, safety and environmental performance of ships, but right now is taking place in a fragmented way, with no pan-industry alignment on data infrastructure reliability and data quality in compliance with global standards.
As ships get smarter and increasingly packed with sensors, the central on-board servers gather data from components and systems that typically feature different types of data infrastructure. Lack of standardization means data cannot be combined in a uniform way, leading to a lack of trust in protocols for data transfer and security.
DNV’s D-INF notation addresses this key challenge by setting out the requirements for the complete data collection infrastructure, including onboard data servers, data relay components and remote data servers, covering the full ship-to-shore communication framework.
DNV implemented the notation as part of Approval in Principle(AiP) projects – the first stage of formal type approval – newly granted to Chinese shipping group COSCO SHIPPING, Korea shipbuilder SHI and technology vendor Kongsberg Digital for flagship digital solutions.
The COSCO SHIPPING pilot formed part of a wider project with DNV to develop an onshore smart ship data management centre to aggregate data from a large range of vessels across its huge fleet. The project with SHI focused on the infrastructure and data stream of its SVESSEL BIG system, while the Kongsberg pilot confirmed its Vessel Insight solution providing value-adding digital services for customers.
DNV is offering D-INF as a key enabler of efficiency for digital class customers worldwide. The convenience of digital verification services will depend on the ability to transmit trusted data. It also means owners can buy a vessel knowing that all the digital elements communicate to each other from delivery.