DNV GL classed vessels are now able to utilise remote surveys for some inspections using the classification society’s Veracity data platform.
Via an online connection or video streaming link, remote surveyors provide support to vessels anywhere in the world, eliminating the need for a DNV GL surveyor to be on-board the vessel. Documentation, images, video, including streaming or recordings, and input will be provided by the customer and crew.
DNV GL has completed more than 1,000 remote surveys in the pilot and scaling-up phase by the Direct Access to Technical Experts (DATE) units based in the Maritime Operational Centre in Høvik, alongside units in Hamburg, Singapore, Houston and Piraeus. The entire DNV GL fleet is able to take advantage of the service following the successful pilots.
The option for remote survey is provided when a customer makes a survey request through DNV GL’s fleet portal on the Veracity platform. Any request for a remote survey is evaluated by a surveyor to make sure that it can be offered remotely. The remote survey regime has been constructed to ensure that the level of assurance is equivalent to an on-board survey.
The types of surveys able to be offered as remote surveys include: occasional surveys that fall between periodical surveys, documentation-based surveys, testing and witnessing systems during normal operation, and surveys not ordered together with annual surveys. Periodical surveys like the annual survey of a vessel are not part of the remote survey programme as they require a surveyor on board.
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO, DNV GL – Maritime, commented: “This is another big step forward in using the power of digitalisation and increased connectivity to deliver smarter and more efficient services. Remote surveys allow us to free up time for our customers, while delivering our services with unparalleled response time. In addition, cutting down on unnecessary travel can result in lower costs, less waiting, and more operational up-time. We’ve had a great response from our customers and support from major flag states, and we are deeply appreciative of the feedback provided to us to make this project a great success.”
Francesco Bellusci, managing director, Scorpio Group, which was one of the first remote survey users, stated: “We saw this as a way to utilise the extensive competence within DNV GL. Now we can apply DNV GL’s competence wherever we are, while also involving our own expertise in the process. Remote surveying makes both the process and the expertise mobile.”
John Ramage, chief operating officer, International Registries, added: “Our technical team and senior management recently met with DNV GL at their Maritime Operational Centre in Høvik and were impressed with the demonstration of the society’s infrastructure and technology to support their remote survey capability. The Marshall Islands Registry recognises this is an innovative solution and is pleased to support DNV GL in improving service delivery to our mutual clients.”
“We are running the remote surveys through our popular DATE hubs,” continued Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen. “This gives us consistency in how the surveys are handled and the ability to offer around the clock service anywhere in the world at exceptional quality levels. In addition, the introduction of electronic certificates for all vessels, which allows us to publish and transmit the survey results immediately, has been pivotal to our successful launch of remote surveys.”
Originally published on Digital Ship.
