2 June 2025

 

As the maritime industry navigates a new era of connected, autonomous, and sustainable shipping, the demand for advanced automation platforms is growing rapidly. Against this backdrop, Swedish industrial technology leader Valmet has unveiled its next-generation control system: the Valmet DNAe Integrated Automation System, tailored specifically for marine applications.

This web-based platform consolidates control, analytics, configuration, and maintenance into a single, unified interface, supporting crews from engine room to bridge. It is also the first marine automation system to receive ISASecure SSA Level 1 certification, setting a new benchmark for built-in cybersecurity in a time when digital threats are increasingly targeting operational technology (OT) environments.

“As the maritime industry evolves and ships become increasingly connected, our customers have a growing need to manage and analyze large volumes of data, taking cybersecurity into account,” said John Weierud, Director of Marine Automation at Valmet. “Therefore, in developing this system, we have focused on usability, performance, and cybersecurity, while ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable operations.”

Automation and the Future of Shipping

The marine automation landscape is shifting dramatically. Driven by decarbonization mandates, crew optimization, and the need for predictive maintenance, shipping companies are adopting more digitalized vessel operations. Centralized control platforms — especially those that combine OT and IT securely — are now seen as enablers for real-time decision-making, fuel efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Within this evolving context, Valmet DNAe answers a growing industry need: a scalable and cybersecure automation system that simplifies complexity while enabling smarter, data-driven operations. Whether for conventional ships or the next wave of low-crew, digitally managed vessels, Valmet’s solution fits the trajectory.

Valmet: A Legacy of Innovation

Valmet brings deep experience to the marine sector, drawing on more than 225 years of industrial heritage. Known globally for its process technologies and automation systems in the pulp, paper, and energy sectors, the company has built a reputation for reliability, sustainability, and innovation.

Valmet's journey in marine automation began in 1979 with the launch of Damatic, one of the world’s first distributed control systems. The Damatic Marine System, widely adopted in the 1980s, set a high bar for reliability — with several systems still in use today. Over time, the platform evolved through multiple generations — including Damatic XD, Metso DNA, and Valmet DNA — each iteration advancing automation capabilities further.

Today, Valmet is the market leader in cruise vessel automation systems, with a global footprint that spans a broad range of ship types.

Valmet DNAe: Built for Modern Marine Operations

At its core, Valmet DNAe reflects a human-centered design philosophy. The system empowers crew and shore-based teams to collaborate effectively, manage information seamlessly, and reduce the operational load through intuitive workflows.

Key Features:

• Unified interface for all automation functions, from control to diagnostics
• Advanced analytics that turn real-time and historical data into insights
• Scalable architecture with high availability and redundancy
• Cybersecurity by design, including encryption, role-based access, and secure audit trails
• Smooth OT/IT integration via secure external interfaces
• Multistage upgrade paths for existing Valmet DNA customers, preserving hardware and know-how

Designed to operate in demanding marine environments, DNAe also supports compliance with emerging digitalization and efficiency standards in shipping, such as those connected to IMO decarbonization targets and autonomous vessel trials.

Looking Ahead: A Platform for Growth

Valmet’s modular approach ensures that its customers can adopt new capabilities step by step, without having to overhaul legacy systems. For shipowners and operators seeking long-term value from their automation investments, this flexibility is crucial.

“The launch of Valmet DNAe in the marine industry marks a significant milestone in our journey to providing future-proof automation solutions,” said Weierud. “With this new system, we are well-positioned to expand our footprint in the global marine industry.”

As automation becomes the nerve center of next-generation vessels, solutions like Valmet DNAe will be central to navigating an increasingly complex marine environment — one that demands efficiency, sustainability, and resilience by design.