DNV GL, Kongsberg and Subsea 7 finish DP remote digital survey pilot
Classification society DNV GL, Kongsberg Maritime and Subsea 7 have successfully concluded the pilot testing of Kongsberg Maritime’s (KM) DP Digital Survey (KMDS) application on board the Subsea 7 vessel Seven Kestrel. The pilot tested the use of a remote digital verification tool for testing dynamic positioning (DP) systems as part of DNV GL’s D-Class project, the company said in its release.
In March 2019, DNV GL rolled out the first fleet-wide remote survey scheme for some inspections in the classification industry. This means that for some surveys, a DNV GL surveyor is not required to travel to the vessel, but instead, input provided by the customer and crew is used to demonstrate compliance. This saves travel costs, waiting time, and reduces vessel downtime. The scheme has been warmly greeted by both customers and flag states.
Testing the dynamic positioning (DP) systems on vessels in operation has also traditionally required a surveyor visit, often alongside DP failure mode and effects analyses (FMEA) consultants and equipment vendor experts, to witness verification trials. Coordinating and conducting these tests with multiple partners can result in a vessel being taken out of operation for several days.
To try and reduce the burden of verifying DP systems on its customers, by enhancing efficiency while maintaining effectiveness and safety standards, DNV GL launched the Data Smart Classification or D-Class Project in 2017. It is designed to evaluate and work toward the acceptance of new methods and technology for the verification of DP systems.
As part of the D-Class project, DNV GL initiated a pilot to examine the possibility of using Kongsberg Maritime’s DP Digital Survey tool in annual verification trials. The pilot used the tool on board Subsea 7’s diving support vessel Seven Kestrel and covered both class survey requirements and standard international industry tests. The tool takes data directly from a vessel’s control systems and transmits this to a secure cloud, where it is available for assessment by expert verifiers, class, and vendors.
About DNV GL
DNV GL enables organizations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. DNV GL provides classification, technical assurance, software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy industries. DNV GL also provides certification services to customers across a wide range of industries.
