Bureau Veritas (BV) in Singapore, in collaboration with Nokia and Sembcorp Marine, has successfully completed remote surveys during the COVID-19 pandemic that pave the way for establishing a new class procedure for the remote inspection of vessels under construction.

The first in-water remote ship surveys using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) have been completed by classification society, DNV GL.

Bureau Veritas (BV) has expanded its remote survey capability with the addition of new centre in Singapore.

Bureau Veritas Marine Singapore (BV) in collaboration with PSA has successfully completed a remote marine survey for ‘PSA Aspen’, an LNG dual fuel PSA Marine harbour tug.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has increased its remote survey offerings to support the accelerated transition to remote services that is occurring due to the spread of COVID-19.  

The Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) has turned to remote surveys to maintain validity of ship’s certificates and support global trade, while ensuring the well being and safety of its staff.

Anthony Veder and Bureau Veritas have successfully completed a pilot for “live remote class surveys” using a wearable device and augmented reality technology.

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has opened its first remote survey centre, located in the major maritime hub and port city of Rotterdam.

The centre is focussed on supporting remote service delivery capability and is part of BV’s North European Zone head office and BV’s Zone Marine Operations Centre.

“This is a new and important milestone in the Bureau Veritas global strategy of Digital Classification using digital technologies to transform the operating model of classification for the benefits of its clients,” sid Laurent Leblanc, senior vice- president, technical & operations.

Bureau Veritas has conducted a full program of tests and proof of concepts confirming that the relevant technologies are now mature enough to enable remote surveys. Technologies used include optimised live-streaming solutions; connected devices (smart phones, tablets, Go-Pro cameras, smart glasses, augmented reality); and connectivity on board – with improvements from 4G networks and 5G yet to be realised.

During the development process different operating modes were tested successfully in different modes of connectedness: offline, partly on-line, and fully online. These different modes reflect the need for different levels of connectedness. In the latter mode – the fastest and most comprehensive remote survey mode – the onboard client uses connected devices to show the ship’s condition in real time to a remote surveyor and this means a survey in real time can be closed at the end of a call.

Significant benefits to clients include speed of response and no travel or waiting time; optimisation in the decision-making process thanks to live-streaming solutions; continuous improvement in the quality of service; and cost control through overall reductions in travel time and arrangements.

Herman Spilker, vice president of the North Europe Zone for BV, commented: "The remote service delivery is led by a team of experienced surveyors and follows eight years of development experience. In 2012 we started developing the procedures allowing administrative verifications to be conducted remotely, Bureau Veritas is now able to offer a comprehensive range of survey items which can be performed remotely. The applicable survey items include classification surveys and specific statutory items which can be agreed by flag administrations."

The combination of remote surveyors, the marine operational centre surveyors and management support as well as close proximity to plan approval surveyors will allow the Remote Survey Centre, equipped with latest technology hardware and software tools, to deliver a high value service to clients.

Mr Leblanc added: "This remote capability is really just starting to make an impact on our clients. It is a vital development for the future of classification."

ClassNK has released “Guidelines for Remote Surveys” in preparation for carrying out remote surveys using Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

DNV GL, Kongsberg Maritime and Subsea 7 have successfully concluded the pilot testing of Kongsberg Maritime’s (KM) DP Digital Survey (KMDS) application onboard the Subsea 7 vessel Seven Kestrel.