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DNV GL acquires Marine Cybernetics

DNV GL, a ship and offshore classification society and technical risk service provider, has acquired Marine Cybernetics, a specialist in third-party testing of computer control systems.

Marine Cybernetics was established in 2002 as a spin-off from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
 
Based in Trondheim, Norway, the company introduced the concept of Hardware-In-the Loop-Testing (HIL) to the maritime and offshore industries. HIL testing reduces the risk of accidents, off-hire costs and non-productive time due to software-related issues.
 
“The decision to invest in Marine Cybernetics was driven by the increasing importance of software dependent systems in ensuring safe, reliable and efficient operations. We have now come to a point where we cannot only rely on testing and verifying hardware,” says Remi Eriksen, DNV GL Group executive vice president and chief operating officer. “We see that an increasing number of incidents, many of them severe, are caused by software- related issues.”
 
A requirement of software-system certification was introduced into the offshore classification rules by DNV GL some time ago.
 
According to Eriksen, the short-term synergies will facilitate a global roll out of HIL testing services via DNV GL’s worldwide network, allowing Marine Cybernetics to reach more customers across the globe. A mid-term perspective is a combination of service offerings.
 
Marine Cybernetics chief executive officer Stein Eggan says: “This is an important milestone for Marine Cybernetics and true recognition of our capabilities as the leading provider of third- party testing and verification of control system software for the maritime and offshore industries. Since DNV GL is  the leading global ship  and offshore classification society and the leading technical assurance provider to the oil and gas industry, this transaction 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.
 
“We have enjoyed a good working relationship with DNV GL for many years and look forward to bringing our companies together to continue to build a sustainable business in the software integrity field, strongly vested in shared philosophies and core values.”
 
Main shareholder Statoil Technology Invest (STI) first supported Marine Cybernetics through its LOOP product development programme in 2003 and then invested in 2005.

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