Challenges related to the development, approval and use of essential systems onboard ships and offshore vessels

Software as an integrated part of components onboard vessels, as well as a component in its own right controlling essential systems of physical components (machines) is increasingly being used in vessels, because it promises more functionality, better crew guidance, lower vessel building costs, lower cost of operation, as well as higher flexibility for future changes and upgrades. As the use of software onboard vessels is increasing, so are the risks associated with its use because vessel operation is becoming completely dependent on the correct functionality of software. DNV, a Norwegian based Classification society has made a survey among several suppliers of software intensive control and propulsion systems and based on this planned a Joint Industry project to further look into the most important of these challenges.