DNV Updates Rules to Support Decarbonization Technologies

Classification society DNV has announced updates to its rules for classifying ships and offshore structures, with significant changes aimed at supporting decarbonization technologies and introducing new in-operation class notations. These updates aim to clarify the responsibilities of class customers for notations that combine design and operational requirements.

Geir Dugstad, DNV Maritime’s Global Technical Director, emphasized the maritime industry’s diverse challenges and opportunities. “It’s not just new fuels,” Dugstad said, “but ways for owners and managers to demonstrate their efficiencies, new vessel types to unlock new markets, and advanced technologies like onboard carbon capture.”

The new in-operation notations represent the first classification framework with dedicated Fleet in Service notations. These notations allow owners and operators to showcase their market differentiation through advanced procedures and reporting processes, enhancing safety and efficiency. This framework clearly delineates responsibilities between shipyards during the new building phase and owners and operators during the vessel’s operational phase.

Designed to foster innovation and improve safety, the updated rules also leverage DNV’s expertise in maritime decarbonization. Two new class notations, Gas Fuelled Hydrogen and OCCS (Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage), have been introduced. The Gas Fuelled Hydrogen notation outlines requirements for ship fuel systems, bunkering connections, and consumers, providing a practical path for developing hydrogen-fuelled vessels. The OCCS notation provides a framework for onboard carbon capture systems, covering exhaust pre-treatment, absorption, after-treatment systems, liquefaction, CO2 storage, and transfer ashore.

DNV Updates Ship Classification Rules with Focus on Decarbonization and Innovation

Additional highlights of the new rules include:

• BOG (Boil-Off Gas) Notation: Requirements for designing and installing pressure and temperature control systems for liquefied gas tanks.
• Live Fish Transport Notation: Creation of a new vessel type for the growing live fish transport industry.
• Stability Pontoons Notation: Guidance and requirements for pontoons used in heavy lift operations to enhance stability.
• Hatchcoverless Notation with Qualifier “NC”: Enables vessels not transporting combustible materials to reduce investments in fire detection and firefighting equipment.
• Floating Spaceports Service Notation: Sets requirements for units and installations intended for the launch and recovery of spacecraft.
• Additional Fire Safety with Qualifier “EV”: Specifically developed for vessels transporting electric vehicles.
• Revised Diving Systems Rules and Standards: Aligned with the IMO 2023 diving code.

These comprehensive updates are designed to address the evolving needs of the maritime industry, ensuring that safety, efficiency, and sustainability remain at the forefront of ship and offshore structure classification.