Korean Register launches survey services using drones
Korean Register (KR) - an IACS member classification society – has announced that it is now conducting inspection services using drones, responding to the industry-wide trend to use more unmanned technology. The new service which has been successfully trialled and now launched, follows extensive collaboration and research conducted with the University of Gyeongnam Geochang.
The drone inspection will save KR's customers time and money and will enhance the safety of the organisation's workforce. The Inspection is conducted onboard, in and around ships and many of the inspected areas are high risk and difficult to access safely.
The inspections will be carried out using drones (U.A.V. unmanned aerial vehicle) and underwater drones (R.O.V. remotely operated vehicle) and will be an important part of the decision-making and assessment process for KR's surveyors, complimenting their traditional surveying skills.
After researching the possibilities and technology available, KR successfully completed a series of tests utilising camera-equipped drones for ship inspections, and at the same time established a registration process for service suppliers, including the University of Gyeongnam Geochang. The two organisations now plan to work together on future technological developments.
Moving forward, KR plans to provide services using a variety of different drones to expand its inspection service areas. To offer high quality and more diverse services to more clients, KR will carry out further research and development into the relevant technology, while vetting and registering more secure service suppliers around the world, particularly in China and across Asia.
The Korean Register is an IACS member classification society established in 1960 with the purpose of promoting safety of life, property and the protection of the marine environment. KR currently classes an international fleet of 3,061 vessels totaling 69 million GT. It is headquartered in Busan, South Korea and operates a network of 66 offices around the world.