DNV GL Launches Shipping Safety White Paper

Norwegian classification agency DNV GL published February 16 a white paper on a perceived "safety gap" between shipping's existing approach to safety risks and future technology and fuels.

If shipping is able to adapt and implement the new safety paradigm identified in the white paper, the result could be a maritime industry that is not only more efficient and sustainable, but safer too, it said.

"To close the safety gap, we will need a collective, ongoing effort," it said. "We need to recognize how any single decision, for example the choice of fuel or introduction of a new digital system, impacts upon other ship systems, the vessel as a whole, and even the fleet. But, if we can all work together, step out of our silos, we can develop the procedures and competencies needed to meet these challenges and enable a culture of continuous improvement."

The white paper focuses on the digitalisation and decarbonisation. Digitalisation introduces new ways of operation and collaboration and decarbonisation means alternative fuels and ways of operating. The paper, Closing the safety gap in an age of transformation, may be downloaded here.