Classification society Lloyd’s Register has released type approval requirements for components within cyber enabled systems on board vessels.
Introduction of this type approval procedure is important, as it defines a critical point in the evolution of smart technology implementation within the marine and offshore industry – delivering an assurance system that provides confidence in the market for the supply of cyber enabled components.
Providing all the benefits of traditional type approval; reassurance on supply chain quality and robustness within the marine environment, the new procedure will also incorporate consideration to the functioning of a cyber enabled system, such as cyber security.
The type approval procedure will address:
1. Production quality assessment in the supply chain
2. Marine environment testing for cyber enabled components
3. Verification of the cyber functions, such as communication and cyber security
Shipyards and designers will be able to select type approved component parts to build cyber enabled ‘smart’ ship systems with a new level of confidence and quality indication. Manufacturers of components will be able to demonstrate their product as meeting LR's requirements on the above and differentiate their products in the market.
LR Marine & Offshore Innovation Strategy and Research Director, Luis Benito, said: “Type approval will work together with LR’s Cyber Enabled ShipRight document, providing type approved components to use in cyber systems, such as predictive maintenance and performance optimisation.” He added, “Together this offers the complete cyber solution for the future, from components to systems to functions.”
By Jake Frith
