DNV has officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) to develop standardized procedures for testing electric-powered vessels using digital twin technology. This partnership aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of ship operations by establishing criteria that facilitate rigorous and reliable testing of complex vessel systems.
The signing of the MoU marks a significant step in addressing challenges associated with integrating electric propulsion systems into modern vessels. By leveraging hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing through digital twins, the collaboration allows for comprehensive testing of multiple systems at an earlier stage in the shipbuilding process. This proactive approach offers a deeper insight into system integration and operational efficiency.
A key focus of the project is ensuring the accuracy and reliability of digital assets. DNV, HMD, and KSOE are working closely to verify these assets, which will play a crucial role in facilitating seamless integration. Verified digital assets provide confidence in simulation results and enable a standardized approach when testing systems from multiple suppliers. Standardized HiL testing procedures will ensure consistent evaluation criteria, leading to more reliable outcomes and improved operational safety.
Kitae Kim, Head of Quality Management at HD Hyundai Mipo, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating, “Through this technical partnership, we aim to establish clear and practical digital twin-based testing procedures and standards. These efforts can foster broader industry participation and ensure reliable results, ultimately safeguarding ship system performance and safety while contributing to the development of a digital twin ecosystem in shipbuilding.”
Byoung Hun Kwon, Head of the Electrification Center/Digital Technology Research Lab at HD KSOE, emphasized the advancements made through digital twin technology, noting, “We have proactively developed and implemented digital twin technology, including HiL testing, to enhance vessel performance and quality. This collaboration represents a pivotal milestone that brings together HMD, KSOE, and DNV to drive digital innovation in the marine industry.”
Andreas Kristoffersen, Head of Approval Centre Korea at DNV Maritime, expressed optimism about the MoU’s impact, saying, “This agreement highlights our collective commitment to advancing digitalization within the maritime industry. Digital twin-based testing allows us to set new standards for safety and performance, helping to shape the future of maritime operations.”
In addition to ensuring initial system integration, the collaboration will focus on the long-term maintenance of digital assets. Verified assets will enable a “plug-and-play” approach, making it easier to introduce and update various systems within the simulation environment over the vessel’s lifecycle. This flexibility offers shipowners and operators the ability to adapt to evolving technologies and operational requirements seamlessly.
The initiative aligns with DNV’s Data-driven Verification (DDV) notation, which has been designed to ensure the reliable performance of complex systems. With the backing of class-verified digital assets, the maritime industry can expect a more comprehensive and efficient approach to HiL testing, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient vessels.
