Wilhelmsen Ship Management (WSM) has entered into two agreements that will set the tone for the operational and regulatory framework in autonomous shipping. The first agreement focuses on the development of a safety management system while the second agreement is for the development of future competence.
Safety management agreement
The safety management system agreement has entered into with DNV GL and NMA whereby the parties will collaborate to support WSM’s ambition to develop an effective safety management system (SMS) for operating autonomous, remotely controlled and remotely supported vessels.
Competence agreement
The competence agreement with DNV GL and USN was entered to develop competence solutions required in a shore control center to manage and operate autonomous, remotely controlled and remotely supported vessels.
Carl Schou, President & CEO of WSM said, “This is an exciting chapter for WSM as regulations governing autonomous shipping are still in their infancy and WSM will play a key role in shaping the future role of ship managers and the regulatory framework. From a ship manager’s perspective, this will be a game changer in the way WSM operates today. As a pioneer in this field, our strategic alliance with DNV GL, NMA and USN are crucial to ensure a holistic development of the new, one of a kind document of compliance”.
Centre based in Norway
The development will be spearheaded from the management center based in Lysaker, Norway. Haakon Lenz, Vice President for WSM Region Europe & Americas said, “There will be an unprecedented reliance on types of machinery and systems working seamlessly together with utmost reliability. Decision making will be data-driven and calculated with utmost precision. Having the right competencies skill sets, operational processes, vessel maintenance philosophy and culture in place will be critical to embracing this shift”.
Onshore and onboard efficiency
Marianne Valderhaug, Director of Operations in DNV GL said, “Efficiency in management and operation of shipping companies and vessels is high on the agenda in the industry and we in DNV GL will support our customers in making use of opportunities. Digital solutions and developments on autonomy will enable the maritime industry to develop and implement measures for improved efficiency ashore and on board. The ability to utilize these opportunities with an effective management system, ensuring safety at the same or a higher level will be a game changer and we in DNV GL are aiming to be at the forefront of this work. The partnerships with important companies such as WSM, government agencies and universities as we have in this work, will enable us to further develop standards, services, solutions, and relations which are important for us and our customers”.
A journey towards the future
Assistant Professor Tor Erik Jensen from USN said, “We have a strong belief that autonomous systems are the future and USN wish to take part in the journey towards realizing that future. Through this agreement of cooperation with the maritime sector [Wilhelmsen/DNV GL], we increase our commitment to another level in research on how such technology can be used in an efficient and safe manner”.
WSM expects to implement the SMS and obtain a certified document of compliance by the end of 2019.
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Source: Wilhelmsen
