Qatari LNG shipping giant Nakilat and classification society DNV have teamed up on a joint development project to elevate software reliability and maintenance during operations.
The JDP, initiated by Nakilat in 2020, has resulted in the launch of a new DNV recommended practice (DNV-RP-0582), the duo said in a joint statement. DNV published the document in June this year.
Today, critical vessel functions rely heavily on computerized software-based systems that are becoming more complex, automated and integrated.
Software failures or reliability issues can now result in significant safety risks, as well as lost revenue due to off-hire days, the duo said.
To help address these risks, DNV and Nakilat brought together shipyards with system suppliers – ABB, Honeywell, Kongsberg and Wärtsilä + Hudong-Zhonghua, to contribute to the development of the project.
The recommended practice provides guidance on the handling of complex software and computer-based systems throughout a vessel’s life cycle including design, construction, commissioning, and operation.
By focusing on system integration and software change handling, the practice works to improve software reliability and quality.
In addition, the practice may find its use as a contractual element/requirement in newbuilding or conversion projects, and/or as guidelines for suppliers, system integrators and owners/operators to check compliance and the ongoing status of systems, the duo said.