DNV and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore strategic collaboration on Software Defined Vessel (SDV) technologies and associated verification and assurance frameworks. The collaboration will combine HD KSOE’s work in SDV technologies and digital ship systems with DNV’s expertise in the independent assurance, verification, and certification of maritime technologies. The agreement was signed during Gastech by Kim Hyung-Kwan, President and CEO of HD KSOE, and Vidar Dolonen of DNV Regional Manager Korea & Japan. 
Under the MOU, HD KSOE intends to develop and advance Software Defined Vessel (SDV) technologies centred around a software-centric platform that has been designed to support the digital transformation of vessel operations. The SDV concept aims to improve operational flexibility, lifecycle management, and the adoption of future digital capabilities. DNV intends to provide independent assurance of the platform by applying relevant assurance methodologies, technical evidence requirements, and verification frameworks to support HD KSOE in implementing these technologies in a secure and reliable manner over the full life cycle of the asset.
Some of the planned areas of engagement in the MOU include, the exchange of relevant knowledge and experience to enhance DNV’s independent assurance role in relation to software-enabled maritime technologies. The collaboration may also cover pilot project activities, demonstrations and engagement with relevant industry stakeholders. In addition, the parties will explore lifecycle assurance approaches that address the implementation and use of SDV technologies on already delivered vessels, including the management of software updates and changes. The collaboration framework is expected to extend through to the end of 2030.

Kim Hyung-Kwan, President and CEO of HD KSOE, said: “The competitiveness of future vessels will be defined by software capabilities seamlessly integrated with advanced hardware technologies. HD Hyundai is continuously enhancing its Software Defined Vessel technologies, leveraging data connectivity established from the ship design stage to drive ongoing improvements in vessel performance. We believe that this collaboration with DNV will mark an important milestone, not only in ensuring the safety and reliability of SDV technologies, but also in establishing a trusted assurance foundation for their deployment. Through this initiative, shipowners and operators will be able to introduce new capabilities more safely and rapidly, improving operational efficiency while proactively building a foundation for the continuous enhancement of vessel performance and value.”
Vidar Dolonen, Regional Manager and representative director of DNV Korea added: “Software is becoming increasingly important to the functionality, performance and evolution of modern vessels and SDV, where we shift some vessel functions from hardware to software control is potentially an exciting innovation to enhance efficiency and the ability to quickly adapt and update vessel function. But as we see software-defined technologies developed and rolled out more broadly in shipping, the maritime industry will need to rely on robust and practical assurance approaches that can address their use throughout the vessel lifecycle. Through this collaboration with HD KSOE, we aim to explore verification frameworks that can support the adoption of these technologies in a way that enhances the safety and reliability of the assets and builds confidence in the SDV concept.”