Introduction to DNV and its importance
DNV (Det Norske Veritas) is an internationally recognised classification society specialising in the certification and classification of ships and offshore structures. Founded in Norway in 1864, DNV has developed into one of the leading companies in the maritime industry. Its certificates are a mark of quality and reliability and play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with international standards and regulations.
History and development
DNV was founded in Norway in 1864 and has continued to develop ever since. Originally, DNV focussed on the classification of ships to ensure safety and reliability in the maritime industry. Over the years, it has expanded its service portfolio and today offers a wide range of certification and consultancy services for various industries, including the maritime, offshore, energy and healthcare sectors.
Services and certification processes
The recognised classification society offers a wide range of services, including
Classification and certification: it inspects and certifies ships, offshore platforms and other maritime structures to ensure that they comply with international safety and environmental standards.
Technical advice: It provides technical advice and support in the development and implementation of safety and environmental management systems.
Research and development: It carries out research and development projects to develop innovative solutions for the maritime industry and improve safety and efficiency.
Training and education: It offers training and education programmes to keep professionals in the maritime industry up to date with the latest technology and best practices.
DNV's certification process involves several steps:
Application: Companies submit an application for certification and provide the necessary documentation.
Review and assessment: DNV experts review the submitted documents and carry out inspections and tests to verify conformity with the relevant standards.
Certification: Following successful testing and assessment, the organisation issues the certificate confirming the conformity of the product or structure.
Surveillance and monitoring: It carries out regular reviews and inspections to ensure that the certified products and structures continue to meet the requirements.
Please note
Some certificates, releases and approvals are now issued without the signature of an authorised representative of the certification company. The certification company then usually offers the option of checking the validity of the certificates online in real time. This is often also noted in the certificate itself.
The current status of all DNV certifications from STAUFF can be found here:
Research and development
DNV is strongly committed to research and development in order to develop innovative solutions for the maritime industry. By conducting research projects and collaborating with other organisations and companies, DNV contributes to improving safety, efficiency and sustainability in the maritime industry. DNV's research priorities include the development of new technologies, the improvement of safety standards and the promotion of sustainable practices.
Training and education programmes
Det Norske Veritas offers a variety of training and education programmes to keep professionals in the maritime industry up to date with the latest technology and best practices. These programmes include both theoretical and practical training and cover a wide range of topics, including safety management, environmental management, technical inspections and certification processes. DNV's training programmes are designed to enhance participants' skills and knowledge and prepare them for the challenges of the maritime industry.
STAUFF and Det Norske Veritas: A successful collaboration
The collaboration between STAUFF and DNV is an example of a successful partnership based on quality and reliability. In September 2025, DNV certified a comprehensive range of replacement filter elements from the STAUFF SFK series for use in the marine and offshore industry. This certification covers both screw-in and plug-in cartridges in stainless steel and plastic versions, which are used in single, double and automatic filters. The certified filter elements are developed and manufactured in Germany and are used in the pre-filtration of fuels in industrial plants worldwide. They are also suitable for use with hydraulic and lubricating oils, cooling lubricants, chemicals and water.
In addition, DNV has officially approved the STAUFF Connect product group for use in shipbuilding. This certification confirms that STAUFF tube fittings fulfil all relevant requirements for use on ships. The approval is valid until September 2030 and underlines the high quality, safety and reliability of STAUFF Connect components, even under demanding conditions at sea.
FAQs
What is DNV?
How does the DNV certification process work?
The process includes application, testing and assessment, certification, surveillance and inspection.
Why are DNV certificates important?
They confirm the high quality and reliability of the products and structures and are an important sign of confidence for customers.
What role does research and development play at DNV?
It is heavily involved in research and development in order to develop innovative solutions for the maritime industry and improve safety, efficiency and sustainability.
What do DNV and GL have to do with each other?
DNV took over Germanischer Lloyd (GL), a similar organisation, a few years ago. After the takeover, the two companies were initially known as DNV-GL, but later became known simply as DNV again. Enquiries about GL certificates therefore relate to certificates that no longer exist in this form.
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