Send in the drones: solving inspection and repair challenges at sea

Drones are already solving some of shipping’s greatest inspection challenges at sea. However, the onset of automation, hybrid systems that combine aerial flight with subsea diving, and on-board 3D printing capabilities could take the technology even further.

The use of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is currently a hot topic for the maritime industry. As technology has evolved, the extent of applications for drones has expanded into numerous fields, including pollution monitoring, search-and-rescue operations, and even the detection of illicit activity such as illegal fishing.

Nevertheless, some of the most tangible benefits have come from drones used to optimise vessel inspection and survey operations. On some vessels, human surveyors have been replaced by hovering UAVs decked out with recording equipment, making it easier and quicker to identify corrosion, deformation, and damage to on-board structures.

Inspections and surveys

In terms of ship inspections, drone technologies effectively cover two categories. Widely available and affordable camera-equipped UAVs can be used to carry out external surveys of cargo and ballast tanks, as well as tall structures on deck. Meanwhile, remotely-operated vehicles, such as the Deep Trekker remotely operated vehicle (ROV), can be dispensed at sea to carry out inspections of hulls to check for damage and the impact of invasive aquatic species.“Martek’s collision-tolerant UAV is dust, splash and bump resistant, meaning it can be used to safely access confined areas.”

A key advantage of using drones is making inspections safer. Surveying tanks and confined spaces on board ships can be a risky enterprise, with enclosed cargo holds known to contain noxious and flammable gases. Cargo tanks can sometimes be filled with water during a process known as rafting, which presents an obvious danger to anyone carrying out inspections inside the tanks.

Drones are able to carry out survey tasks quickly and efficiency, preventing expensive and time-consuming workarounds for surveyors. Some tanks on ships are more than 25m high, and therefore require the introduction of scaffolding, hung staging equipment and other specialised solutions such as portable gas detectors, all of which need to be checked and certified for safety.

Technology specialist Martek Marine supplies drones for a range of applications, including tank and external vessel inspections. The company’s UAV survey solution combines enclosed space drone technology with HD and infrared cameras. Wrapped in a distinctive carbon fibre cage, Martek’s collision-tolerant UAV is dust, splash and bump resistant, meaning it can be used to safely access confined spaces.