September 7 - Knut Orbeck-Nilssen, the new chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), has outlined a series of initiatives, which prioritise modernisation, transparency and digitalisation.
Ørbeck-Nilssen, ceo of DNV GL - Maritime, said: "Our industry is becoming more complex. Digitalisation is changing not only the way the shipping business is being conducted, but the systems themselves and the way they interact together.
"Because of this, Class needs to be adaptable and flexible in our delivery and thinking. IACS members should be enabled to provide the services that our stakeholders require in the digital age, as these are essential for competitive and safe operations."
As chairman, Ørbeck-Nilssen will be initiating a review of IACS Resolutions to identify and remove elements hindering the development of new technologies, including ship autonomy.
IACS will also commence work on developing procedures relating to the deployment of electronic certificates, while continuing to support the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) work in promoting their use throughout the industry.
Modernising survey methods and enabling the use of new technologies will be another focus area, says the IACS.
Ørbeck-Nilssen will oversee the development of the results of a newly established working group reviewing the implications of new survey technologies and techniques, including condition based monitoring (CBM) and remote monitoring and diagnosis (RMD), with a view to developing IACS guidelines and recommendations that enable the data from these techniques to be used more widely in the survey process.
"To help the shipping industry continue to play its vital role in world trade, we need to work on initiatives that enhance the ability of IACS members to offer innovative, relevant and efficient services," said Ørbeck-Nilssen.
"By doing so we can leverage the unique technical capabilities of our members and work with regulators and stakeholders, to ensure that shipping continues to advance in terms of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility."
Ørbeck-Nilssen will also implement long-term initiatives to improve the quality and transparency of internal benchmarking, performance and membership of the IACS.
