The partners said that the MoU will enable fast tracking of vessel data collection for the support of compliance and performance across safety, carbon emissions and cyber security.

Marlink’s hybrid connectivity will be linked to BV’s digital and safety services; the companies will make it easier for mutual customers to adopt more secure digital tools over the Marlink network.

A working group will help shipowners in the area od regulatory compliance and improving security of data collection onboard vessels, removing barriers for technologies like remote operation, smart vessels and eventually autonomous operations.

The MoU is on an open source basis, opening the door for third parties to contribute where applicable.

“This is a partnership with real purpose whose foremost point is to take action to integrate digital tools and services that can bring value for shipowners and encourage and further develop cyber-secure, innovative Class operations,” said Matthieu de Tugny, President, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore.

“Shipowners face huge efficiency and compliance challenges over the next decade and these need to be considered now to create a future-proof path that can integrate core operational components onboard and ashore,” said Tore Morten Olsen, President, Maritime, Marlink. “Digitalisation is critical to improving voyage optimisation and vessel performance, achieving regulatory compliance and meeting ESG goals, but shipowners shouldn’t have to act as project managers – this partnership means they can streamline and simplify their digital journey based on Class guidelines and recommendations.”