Wilhelmsen Ship Management, DNV GL form four-party alliance to develop autonomous shipping

The partnerships involved two agreements, with the first focusing on the development of a safety management system and the second is for the development of future competence.

The safety management system agreement is between DNV GL and NMA whereby the parties will collaborate to support WSM to develop safety management system for operating autonomous, remotely controlled and remotely supported vessels.

The competence agreement between DNV GL and USN is to develop competence solutions required in shore control center to manage and operate autonomous, remotely controlled and remotely support vessels.

“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,” said Carl Schou, president and ceo of WSM.

The development will be spearheaded from the management center based in Lysaker, Norway.

Read more: Are the maritime industries ready to embrace smart shipping? – Almost

“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,” said Marianne Valderhaug, director of operations in DNV GL.

WSM expects to implement the safety management system and obtain a certified document of compliance by the end of 2019.