DNV GL used drones for hull surveys of two vessels at Remontowa shipyard

DNV GL has recently completed several tests using drones to support the hull survey of two vessels. Conducted by the classification team based in Gdansk, Poland, the tests took place at the Remontowa shipyard. Using drones to visually check the condition of remote structural components has the potential to significantly reduce survey times and staging costs, while at the same time improving safety for the surveyors, the organization said in its media release.

The tests used a camera-equipped drone to visually evaluate structural components through video streamed to a tablet. One surveyor operated the drone, while a second checked the video feed in real time. The stream was also recorded for review and documentation purposes. Equipped with a powerful headlight, the drone was able to produce a video of sufficient quality for initial inspection purposes. In the event any damage is detected, a traditional close-up survey may still be required.

DNV GL has a longstanding R&D programme working on developing advanced inspection technologies, for example the IRIS system which can automatically associate photos onboard a ship with a 3D model of the vessel’s structure. “Using a drone in combination with a system like IRIS could be very beneficial to our customers. We have already demonstrated the ability to place images within a 3D model and furthermore to assess the individual findings. These are the first steps towards an automated survey process which might include using a drone to make the initial survey, taking the images generated and then running them through an algorithm to determine the hull condition,” says Dr. Pierre C. Sames, Director of Group Technology and Research.

Driven by its purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organizations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. Operating in more than 100 countries, the company’s 16,000 professionals are dedicated to helping their customers in the maritime, oil & gas, energy and other industries to make the world safer, smarter and greener.