Modern classification solutions, data management, cybersecurity solutions, the mega shifts impacting the shipping industry in the next 20 years were some of the topics that were recently discussed at the DNV GL Digital Summit in Singapore. More than 800 representatives from shipowners, managers, yards and other stakeholders participated in the summit or through livestreaming of the event.
“Without any doubt, digitalization is the strongest driver transforming the maritime industry and DNV GL is ready to support the industry on its digitalization journey. We are laying the groundwork for our own transition to modern class to make us more data led and automated than today. And soon, we plan to launch third party assurance in new fundamental areas such as sensor fusion systems, algorithm assurance, information gate keeping as well as cyber security,” said Remi Eriksen, Group President & CEO, DNV GL, in his keynote presentation at the event.
The summit started with the presentations on the current situation. Futurist speaker Gerd Leonhard also talked about the mega shifts that will impact shipping including datafication, cognification, virtualization and automation, robotization and disintermediation. He said, “Embrace the mega shifts today to be ready for tomorrow – the future is no longer simply an extension of today. Even though shipping may look like the ‘last frontier’ to be conquered by digitalization, and despite major changes ahead of us, the future will be better than we think. Just because something didn’t work ten years ago doesn’t mean that it won’t change the game completely today.” He cited examples such as automated ships run by intelligent and self-learning computers, a global shift to renewable energy and CO2-neutral logistics, and of course huge leaps in material sciences and distributed manufacturing (e.g. 3D printing). He concluded, ”The next 20 years will bring more change than the previous 300 years – and if you don't like change, try irrelevance!”
Some other key takeaway from the summit included the solutions which DNV GL has implemented or will be implanting to help move their customers towards a digital interface.
Modernization of Class
“We are gearing up to support the maritime industry on its digitalization journey, and laying the groundwork for our own transition to ‘modern class’. Over the last few years, we have been looking at new ways of working that can leverage digital technologies to improve the customer experience, for example through the use of drones in ship and offshore surveys, electronic certificates, smart survey booking, and machine learning to support our DATE (Direct Access to Technical Experts) service,” said Stian Nilsen Barkbu, Head of Maritime Production Systems, DNV GL.
Cybersecurity
Safety in shipping today is heavily dependent on computer systems. This means that businesses need to adapt to not only achieve compliance to internally recognized standards, but meet rapidly evolving threats from cyber-attacks. “Our newly established Digital Solutions business area includes the former Software business area and a strong developer group including teams from GSS (global shared serviced) IT and software. GSS also plays a key role in our success. Our shared services organization makes us more competitive through productivity gains and better quality. Their services and IT infrastructure and systems are secure, efficient and modern, and help us remove friction both for our customers and ourselves,” said Jan Hinnerk Haul, Principal Consultant, Shipping Advisory.
Veracity
DNV GL also introduced Veracity, its cloud based data management platform, facilitating data quality management, securing data sharing between different industry players and, combining data sets for big data analytics. In his presentation, Magnus Lande, Veracity Commercial Director, DNV GL Digital Solutions, said, “The Veracity platform aims to make digitalization easier for its users. We have already run some 40 pilot projects with customers and have learnt a lot. We will continue to invest in the platform to give users quality assured data, but also the ability to manage whom they want to share the data with. The data sets will be enriched with industry wide data sets, providing benchmarks and much richer insights, including more easily enabled analytics in the platform.” DNV GL’s customers are already benefitting from Veracity with its MyServices and Marketplace services.
In conclusion, Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Regional Manager for South East Asia, Pacific & India, DNV GL – Maritime, said, “Shipping will continue to play an important role in the world economy for years to come. But the industry itself, trade patterns, the vessels, the infrastructure and the systems that connect them could change substantially. Today, let us all start and work towards enabling the growth of digital applications in shipping to advance the efficiency, safety and environmental performance of the maritime industry.”