Class society ABS is set to roll out wearable technology, remote support and drones to its inspectors this year to support ship surveys
Class society ABS is set to roll out wearable technology, remote support and drones to its inspectors this year to support ship surveys
ABS is piloting these technologies to pass them on to its vessel surveyors to reduce inspection time, improve safety and reliability of information.
The first new technologies to be available to surveyors are likely to be the remote support and information glasses. ABS senior engineer Julie Prey demonstrated the remote support that surveyors could receive from shore-based staff.
ABS regional director Nikos Goudoulias said drones could be used for inspecting areas where surveyors are at risk, such as confined spaces where there is little oxygen, or areas of high heat.
Mr Goudoulias told Marine Electronics & Communications that pilot projects are underway with drones, wearable technology and remote support and could be provided to more inspectors this year.
Pilot projects are underway with drones, wearable technology and remote support
Surveyors could go on board with smart watches, mobile phones and tablets, or even glasses that have cameras and augmented reality technology. Ms Prey said audio, images and video could be sent from these devices to head office where experts could provide additional information or requests for further detailed inspections.
Ms Prey said images could be annotated by both the back office staff and inspectors. “Shore staff can see what the inspectors can and receive information from surveyors,” she said. “This is more collaborative working and more efficient.”
Drones can also be used for ship surveys and will be rolled out by ABS. Ms Prey said companies will be certified to provide remotely controlled aerial vehicles to surveyors.
Mr Goudoulias also highlighted how a new module had been introduced to ABS Nautical Systems’ Enterprise fleet management software for monitoring ship emissions. The module will help shipowners comply with the new EU monitoring, reporting and verification regulations that are coming into force from this year.
ABS technical director Jan Otto de Kat discussed how shipping is moving towards more integrated systems and automated operations. He said semi-autonomous ships could be sailing in coastal routes within five years, but admitted that it is unlikely that fully autonomous ships will be crossing the world’s oceans.
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