Norway-based classification society DNV has launched a new family of class notations that aim to provide a framework for how remote/autonomous ships can achieve “equivalent or higher” safety compared to conventional vessels.
Dubbed the Autonomous and Remotely Operated Ships (AROS) notations, the framework was launched in December 2024 and has been available since January 1, 2025 . As explained, AROS covers four specific functions for autonomous ships: navigation, engineering, operational, and safety. It was envisioned to distinguish by category, ie. remote control, decision support, supervised autonomy, full autonomy, as well as the location of ship control (onboard, off-ship, or hybrid).