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KEEP YOUR DISTANCE SURVEYS • THE USE OF DIGITAL EQUIPMENT TO ENABLE SURVEYS TO BE CARRIED OUT REMOTELY DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC MAY PROVE TO BE A TURNING POINT IN THIS TIME of widespread lockdowns and social distancing measures, one important task in the maritime industry has been made very
one of Anthony Veder’s vessels, Coral Favia. The survey took place on the bridge and in the cargo control room, engine control room and
difficult: the regular surveys required by all vessels. In order to maintain the regular pattern of surveys required by classification societies, some novel means are being introduced. Gas tanker operator Anthony Veder, for example, has collaborated with Bureau Veritas on a pilot for a live, remote class survey, with crew using a wearable device and augmented reality technology. Bureau Veritas and Anthony Veder concluded that this form of survey can reach the same quality level as traditional onboard surveys but is much more efficient. In addition, Anthony Veder emphasises that this technology will also be used for remote assistance, troubleshooting and providing support to vessels in remote areas. During the pilot, a scenario including three conditions of class was executed onboard
engine room. The pilot was executed using a wearable augmented reality device enabling a live video and audio connection with the Anthony Veder office in Rotterdam and Bureau Veritas office in Paris. A remote class surveyor guided the crew onboard through the different class items using the live connection and evidence was gathered by taking pictures and recordings using the wearable device. “Executing surveys and providing assistance remotely will result in a faster response time and better service when external expertise is needed,” says Wouter Boogaart, digital development manager at Anthony Veder. “Also greatly reducing lead times, as it will bring down the need to travel to a vessel and eventually also reduce the associated CO² emitted during these travels.” Benne Engelen, CIO at Anthony Veder, adds: “The development of remote surveys and remote assistance perfectly fits our innovation roadmap in which we actively strive toward smart ship solutions, closing the distance
USE OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES REMOVES THE NEED FOR SURVEYORS TO BE PHYSICALLY PRESENT
between our people onboard, in our office and our partners. The successful pilot marks an important milestone in the digitalisation of the maritime industry and our ambition to further develop the efficiency, sustainability and safety standards of our company.” OVER TO INDIA Elsewhere, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) is taking a pragmatic approach to surveying in order to protect its own surveyors, advisors and other staff. As it says, during the Covid-19 pandemic, some ships may experience operational challenges such as the non-availability of drydocks, spares or technicians. Surveyors themselves may not be able to attend vessels because of travel restrictions or quarantines. Depending on the specific circumstances, IRClass says it may grant survey extensions as allowed by its rules and application of force majeure provisions to ships due for surveys but facing difficulties due to the pandemic. However, where possible and with flag approval, IRClass is increasingly turning to the use of remote surveys and inspections, are based on self-checks by the Master/Chief Engineer of the ship or the senior staff of the works, using the IRClass survey checklist and remote assesssment of supporting documentation, photographs/videography by an IRClass surveyor. Facilities for video conferencing including live video streaming for viewing specific sections of the ship or equipment for cross verification, are also proving to be invaluable tools for IRClass’ surveyors. “Our remote survey system is working very well indeed and is a practical and innovative way for our surveyor to carry out the emergency safety assessment of a ship around the various restrictions in place,” says Suresh Sinha, managing director of IRClass. “Our surveyors can now deal with surveys, audits and inspections from the safety of their own homes and, subject to various flag approvals, I can see remote inspections continuing to revolutionise classification services long after the Covid-19 outbreak.” www.anthonyveder.com www.irclass.org
HCB MONTHLY | MAY 2020
