| | DECEMBER 20249CIOReviewstages. These stages span feasibility, concept verification, prototype validation, system integration, and operations.The qualification activities within each stage revolve around risk assessments and engineering evaluations that build upon each other to determine if the technology provides acceptable levels of safety in line with current shipyard industry practice. The qualification efforts by all stakeholders, such as the vendor, system integrator, and end-user, at each stage are recognized and captured within the qualification process.Upon completion, eligible technologies can be type approved by ABS to limit repeated evaluation of identical designs. When all engineering evaluations are complete, a product design assessment (PDA) can be issued prior to further consideration for type approval. The Certification FrameworkThe confirmation of type approval process shown in Figure 1 demonstrates that all software, related hardware quality assurance and control systems incorporated in the technology have been reviewed for compliance with one or more ABS rules or guides, statutory, industrial, or manufacturer's standards or other criteria acceptable to ABS. Technology qualification is just the first phase in the overall certification process. The second phase is technology operational qualification and process control validation, equivalent to design validation and quality management assessment, issuance of manufacturing assessment (MA), and type approval certification for the technology used for non-class related activities.For shipyard technologies that will be used for non-class related activities, upon successful completion of the first and second phases, the technology is eligible for confirmation of type approval ­ tier 3. This certificate is available when a valid PDA - tier 2 and a valid MA ­ tier 3 remain current. The type approval certifies that the implementation of the technology complies with a recognized standard, at least to ISO9000 series or equivalent. Equivalency will ultimately be determined by ABS on a case-by-case basis.For shipyard technologies that will be used as part of the classification process (i.e., to supplement, augment or complement tasks that are related to or affecting the classification process in ship construction, repair, or commissioning activities) an additional step/third stage is required known as supplementation/augmentation of class survey process. The purpose of this stage is to make sure that the qualified process using the technology can produce results that are the same or better than the traditional process or approach.Accelerating the Transition to Smart ShipyardsDigitalisation of shipyards continues to accelerate as builders seek to capitalize on technologies that can help them improve design and fabrication and enhance operational health and safety. The implementation of these smart technologies can enable new and more efficient ways of working, providing that the risks they present can be identified and mitigated. Qualification and/or certification of technologies by an independent third party has played an important role in the digital transformation of other industries, including the shipping and offshore sectors. It demonstrates a level of feasibility and maturity in order to gain a competitive advantage with customers, partners, and other stakeholders. Additionally, it provides regulatory agencies with confidence that any hazards and/or risks associated with the introduction of the proposed technology have been systematically reviewed and that appropriate mitigation measures have been put in place. This combination of technology assessment and regulatory oversight provides tangible dividends for shipyards keen to improve their performance and shipowners looking to manage the safety of transition technologies.It is clear that new technologies and the increased use of data can support sustainability as well as create efficiencies; they can also help class and owner optimize the survey process ­ during construction and afterward, leveraging technology beyond asset production and in support of the class process. The implementation of these smart technologies can enable new and more efficient ways of working, providing that the risks they present can be identified and mitigated
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