DNV and Fassmer partner to develop autonomous naval vessels

DNV and Fr. Fassmer GmbH & Co. KG have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development and classification of autonomous and remotely operated vessels. The partnership, announced at the SMM Trade Fair in Hamburg, aims to support Fassmer’s unmanned systems portfolio by utilizing DNV’s assurance guidelines and Autonomous and Remotely Operated Ships (AROS) class notations.

The cooperation will involve reviewing operational concepts for autonomous vessels, qualifying new technologies, and creating certification roadmaps. A primary goal is to work toward an Approval in Principle (AiP) under the AROS framework, evaluating requirements for navigation, engineering, and safety. Additionally, the partners intend to contribute to the creation of international regulatory frameworks for autonomous shipping to strengthen maritime autonomy in Europe.