Remote survey center opens in Rotterdam

Photo: Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) are the company behind the project. Development of necessary administrative verification procedures began in 2012. Applicable survey items include classification surveys and specific statutory items which can be agreed by flag administrations.

A full program of tests and proof of concepts has been concluded, confirming that the tech in question is indeed mature enough to enable remote services. The relevant solutions include optimized live-streaming, mobile device connectivity (smart phones, tablets, Go-Pro cameras, smart glasses, VR) and onboard connectivity, with improvements from 4G networks and 5G yet to be realized.

Different modes of connectedness were successfully tested, including offline, partly online and fully online. In the latter mode, the onboard client uses connected devices to show the ship's condition in real time to a remote surveyor, meaning that a real-time survey can be closed at the end of a call.

Speed of response, due to no travel or waiting time and the resulting cost reduction are just some of the benefits of the new surveying method.

Laurent Leblanc, Senior Vice- President, Technical & Operations, BV, said, "This remote capability is really just starting to make an impact on our clients. It is a vital development for the future of classification."