Why: Paving the way for new technological solutions
The Danish Maritime Authority would like to be a facilitator and partner for innovative solutions especially in the fields of green tech, decarbonization and digitalization. However, regulation can sometimes be a barrier for implementing new ideas. Updating international regulation takes time and industry innovation moves faster.
In order to handle industry inquiries that challenge the regulation, the Danish Maritime Authority offers case management in Future Lab.
What: A Future lab for approving innovation
DMA Future Lab is a matrix organization that handles challenging inquires that need authority approval or acceptance. The goal is to be an open-minded authority partner that efficiently help find safe, secure and environmentally friendly solutions.
The Lab handles inquires on various stages in the innovation process. On one hand, the DMA Future Lab handles inquires on innovations that are ready to be implemented on commercial vessels. However, the lab can also help with early stage innovations that need room or geography to test out new ideas.
How: Co-creating new solutions
Each inquiry is unique and the case management process is tailored individually. The overall process however has some similarities.
The first step in DMA Future Lab is to get an in-dept understanding of the project in order to determine if the project challenges regulation and needs management in the Lab.
Next step is for DMA to define the approval basis. For new ship design, this could for instance be according to IMO Guidelines for Alternative Design (MSC.1/Circ.1455). For other innovations, the basic regulation may be different. With the approval basis in place, the client and DMA will develop and agree upon a framework for analysis, test or evaluation of the project. A time and process plan will be set.
From here, it is an iterative process, where the client perform their project and analysis and if needed get feedback underway as the project get more specific and detailed.
If there are particularly challenging aspects concerning regulation or safety, DMA can initiate workshops or sprints in order to crack the nut.
When all documentation is in place, the proposal is evaluated for approval.