Test of Class Survey Using Drones Demonstrated in Japan

Image credit: MOL

Japanese shipping line Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has participated in a demonstration test of ship class survey using aerial drones to inspect an MOL-operated coal carrier in service.

The survey was conducted along with international class society ClassNK, Hitachi Systems, and Mitsui Co.

The demonstration included a simulated ship inspection inside the cargo hold and ballast tank, using video shot from an aerial drone. The test verified the effectiveness of using drones to monitor rust, corrosion, and the presence of cracks.

ClassNK has conventionally conducted visual inspections while ship management companies handle maintenance and inspection works by assembling scaffolds during dry docking. MOL says the use of drone is expected to contribute to improved operational safety and efficiency, since these processes require work to be done at height and in dangerous environments.

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