- DNV Launches Framework for Autonomous Vessels to Ensure Safety and Innovation.
- Autonomous Shipping Set for Growth with DNV’s New AROS Notations.
- DNV’s AROS Notations Guide the Future of Autonomous and Remotely Operated Vessels.
To develop class notations called Autonomous and Remotely Operated Ships, DNV introduced a family. This concept serves as an enabler in ensuring that ships equipped with technology, whether for the operation alone or both fully and partially, are meeting the safety expectations or more when compared to ordinary ships. An autonomous shipping industry represents a progressive leap for this sector, reports Digital Ship.
Advantages of autonomous shipping
Ranging from remote-controlled to fully unmanned vessels, autonomous shipping benefits involve increased safety, optimized logistics chains, increased cargo capacity because of fewer crew, improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and decreased costs for operations and maintenance. All these advantages make autonomous shipping technologies interesting enough to be pursued.
Regulatory Landscape and Role of IMO
Despite the apparent potential of the autonomous shipping industry, the regulatory frameworks are still evolving. The IMO is also focusing on developing a code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), which is expected to be voluntary from 2025 but will become mandatory in 2032. This timeline shows that a developmental framework should be in place to support autonomous shipping technologies. DNV’s AROS notations give the industry a much-needed framework for its future development in this field, and the flag and coastal states have the final word.
DNV’s Vision for the Future of Autonomous Shipping
Geir Dugstad, Technical Director of classification at DNV Maritime, commented: “Autonomous shipping, in all its formats, is a key part of the future development of shipping. With the AROS notations, we will see novel autonomous and remotely controlled pilot projects achieving at least the same safety levels as conventional vessels. When the technology from these pilots becomes available for seafarers, features such as collision and grounding avoidance, vessel lookup support, and remote machinery support can help improve safety and reliability.”
AROS Class Notations: Key Functions and Categories
This paper covers four main functions for autonomous ships: navigation, engineering, operational, and safety. They will also be classified by category (remote control, decision support, supervised autonomy, full autonomy) and by the location of ship control (onboard, off-ship, or hybrid). They are according to the new MASS code from IMO coming up shortly.
Flexibility and Innovation in the AROS Framework
AROS notations shall be based on DNV’s existing guideline DNV-CG-0264 combining broad risk assessment processes with specific functional requirements. That flexibility allows some room for innovation in combination with decade-long experience within DNV, as well as other industry partners.
Evolving Technologies and Future Developments
Dugstad further explained: “This is still early days for autonomous and remotely operated ships. Advances in research, technology, and legislation, as well as experience from projects, are expected to lead to significant developments in autonomous shipping technology in the future. DNV’s guidelines and AROS class notations were designed to remain in step with these developments and will mature as autonomous technologies evolve.”
The AROS class notations were officially launched in December 2024 and became available for use on January 1, 2025.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Digital Ship
