Independent journal on economy and transport policy
03:36 GMT+2
CENTRO INTERNAZIONALE STUDI CONTAINERS
ANNO XXXVIII - Numero MARZO 2020
INNOVATION
BV'S FIRST DRONE SURVEY MARKS RISE OF REMOTE INSPECTIONS
Drone carrying out ultrasonic thickness measurements inside
the hold of a bulk carrier. Credit: Bureau Veritas
A close-up inspection survey, including ultrasonic thickness
measurements, was carried out by a drone in two cargo hold spaces by
classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) on 4 March 2020.
The survey, which was carried out onboard a bulk carrier in
agreement with the relevant flag authority, shows 'proof of concept'
for drones as a tool for remote inspection techniques.
According to a statement issued by BV, aerial drones are now a
mature technology and their impact on survey inspections will
drastically increase maritime safety.
The use of drones will provide safer conditions for the surveyor
as they will not be exposed to the risks of working at a height or
even be required to enter confined spaces themselves. Furthermore,
inspection time will also be reduced and better evidence will be
gathered in assessing hull conditions.
Given the number of seafarer deaths every year in enclosed
spaces, this technology has the potential to save lives and
unnecessary time spent in these dangerous places on board.
"We are now ready to offer operational surveys using drones
anywhere in the world. We will continue to look for innovation and
test new ideas, but drone surveys are now going to be part of
everyday life for ship surveys. Above all, drones provide a level of
detail and new level of safety that will benefit both our clients
and our surveyors," said Laurent Leblanc, senior vicepresident
for technical and operations, BV.
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