The recently announced partnership between global software firm Microsoft and the class society DNV GL is an indication of the way shipping is transforming according to DNV GL staff.
The Norwegian/German class society launched a new data platform this week, but has focused on pushing the partnership as much as the platform.
In a press briefing following the launch, officials told Fathom News that creating a partnership with Microsoft is the critical starting point to the modernisation of shipping.
Although it is the first class society to join Microsoft, DNV GL has said that it is not exclusive. It believes some of its competitors will do the same, but what is evident is that other global software companies, with no direct links to shipping, are increasingly taking interest in maritime suppliers.
This week American tech firm Cisco, joined Radio Holland to offer solutions for enhancing maritime digitalisation, while Ericsson and Inmarsat have an agreement that integrates an ICT cloud with Inmarsat’s satellite communications network. Ericsson has also announced partnership with Polestar and Speedcast as it looks to develop wireless connectivity for the shipping industry.
Just last year Cargotec acquired Interschalt maritime systems to enable better provision of software and service solutions, while NAPA and ABB have an agreement to provide enhanced electronic advisory solutions.
These partnerships, including DNV GL and Microsoft’s, demonstrate the opportunities software firms see in the maritime sector, and the potential that the sector sees in integrating well-known and trusted digital software solutions into their services.
For DNV GL, this is what it is about. Using a global name such as Microsoft to modernise itself as a class society. While the software itself may not be evidently unique compared with competitor’s offerings, what DNV GL sees is a platform that will provide cross industry knowledge.
It promises in time an easier way for analysts to acquire information, by not simply storing data but by eventually combining data sets, generating new data sets, and connecting multiple stakeholders and data sets to do so.
Work to improve the platform, to integrate cross industry knowledge and provide a truly unique platform is still required, but at the moment DNV GL is proud to be the first classification society to have entered a partnership with the largest global software provider today.
Fathom-News
editor@fathom-mi.com
