DNV GL acquires Marine Cybernetics
DNV GL has acquired Marine Cybernetics, expanding DNV GL’s scope of services in the offshore and maritime industries. “We do a lot of verification and testing of hardware today, but we do too little on the software and control part,” Remi Eriksen, DNV GL Group Executive Vice President and COO, said during a press conference at OTC in Houston on 7 May. “We need to be much more comprehensive when it comes to the verification of the software part. With Marine Cybernetics, we have a good tool to add to the services that DNV GL is already providing today.”
Marine Cybernetics introduced the concept of Hardware-In-the Loop-Testing (HIL) to the maritime and offshore industries. HIL testing significantly reduces the risk of accidents, off-hire costs and nonproductive time due to software-related issues. “Marine Cybernetics has unique technology and processes for the third-party testing and verification of computer-based control systems. This will be a game-changing platform to enhance safety and increase operational efficiency in the offshore and maritime industries,” Mr Eriksen said.
Marine Cybernetics has tested more than 140 vessels in the last 12 years, including offshore drilling units, construction vessels and fixed installations, Marine Cybernetics CEO Stein Eggan, noted at the conference. The acquisition “will also strengthen our global delivery capabilities and continued technological development, benefitting both companies’ customers and industry partners as well as creating interesting opportunities for our employees.”
A requirement of software-system certification was introduced into the offshore classification rules by DNV GL. Currently, the market for the third-party testing and certification of control systems is small but has potential. According to Mr Eriksen, the short-term synergies will facilitate a global roll out of HIL testing services via DNV GL’s worldwide network. A mid-term perspective is a combination of service offerings. “As such, we strive to actively drive the further development of the concept of classification, and a longer term goal is to use the competencies and technologies in other asset heavy and software intensive industries, such as the power generation, transmission and distribution industries,” Mr Eriksen said.
Marine Cybernetics will become an independent business unit within the DNV GL Group. The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.