DNV will shortly issue the first ISDS (Integrated Software Dependent Systems) class certificate to Dolphin Drilling. This new state-of-the art class notation has been under development since 2008 and is already in great demand. Several major rig owners are now requesting the ISDS notation on newbuilds, and DNV is working to prepare yards and suppliers worldwide to deliver to the ISDS requirements.

“With the diagnostics and remote access that is being built into our rigs now, it is really important that software integrity is flawless,” says CEO Ivar Brandvold of Fred. Olsen Energy ASA. “This DNV initiative is very welcome.”

Huge potential savings “Our analysis indicates that applying the ISDS class notation can easily save USD 6-20 million by avoiding the delays caused by the need to re-work software,” says Rolf Benjamin Johansen, the director of operations at software integration for DNV maritime and energy. “In fact, this range is conservative as it does not include avoided costs. Being on schedule avoids propagating supply-chain costs and loss of brand reputation.

The ISDS notation focuses on how to set up and run a project and how to develop quality assurance processes that will last throughout the vessel’s lifetime.

“The class notation alone is not a silver bullet that will solve all software-related problems on drilling units, but it is an important part of the solution. This notation provides a well-defined industry framework for systematically assuring the quality and performance of software-dependent systems,” says Mr Johansen.

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