As the maritime industry adjusts to the constraints placed on people’s movements imposed by governments to limit the spread of the coronavirus, remote ship surveys and inspections are becoming increasingly popular.
Classification societies report a surge in remote inspections despite the fact that the industry has been relatively slow in the adoption of new digital technologies.
Specifically, remote surveys and inspections mean that surveyors do not have to be physically present on board a vessel, which is especially important during these challenging times caused by COVID-19. Instead, by using an online connection or video streaming link, a team of remote surveyors can provide support to vessels anywhere in the world with documentation, images, video and input provided by clients and crewmembers.
Digital technologies ensure that class services are delivered without disruptions, without compromising the safety of crew and surveyors.
It is anticipated that remote inspection devices could become commonplace in the future, replacing or assisting the attendance of surveyors.
DNV GL completes 15,000 remote surveys since launch
The impact of the global COVID-19 crisis has prompted demand for DNV GL’s remote survey services. The classification society said it had undertaken some 15,000 surveys and inspections since the launch in October 2018.
“The use of remote surveys has meant that we have been able to limit disruptions to customer operations resulting from travel bans or quarantines involving our surveyors,” Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO, DNV GL – Maritime, explained.
“Ship operators are able to receive immediately updated and verified electronic certificates, which make their business dealing with class, authorities and vendors much more efficient.”
Remote surveys were first rolled out by DNV GL in October of 2018 and have been gaining in popularity ever since. In 2019, for some survey types, up to 2 percent of all surveys were conducted remotely, with more than one third of clients having used the service at least once.
Liberian Registry, RINA and d’Amico leverage remote technologies for vessel inspections in response to COVID-19
The Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR) has approved the use of RINA’s remote technology for inspections of Liberian-flagged vessels. It is anticipated that the decision by LISCR could shortly be followed by other flag administrations.
Original Source: https://www.offshore-energy.biz/shipping-industry-sees-growth-in-remote-surveys-in-times-of-coronavirus-crisis/
By: Naida Hakirevic
Website: https://www.offshore-energy.biz/