The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has become the first institution in the maritime industry to offer the majority of its surveys remotely, using drones to carry out its classification checks.
In a statement, ABS said it now has the most comprehensive set of remote survey options in the industry, with a total of 28 surveys and audits able to be delivered remotely.
“The industry is telling us they want our services delivered remotely, particularly in the current challenging environment,” said Joe Riva, ABS Vice President and Chief Surveyor.
“I am proud that we are providing the most comprehensive remote services portfolio in the industry.
“We are delivering the next generation of classification today through surveys conducted anywhere in the world at any time, without interrupting operations for surveyor attendance.”
The new remote services include Annual Hull Survey, Annual Machinery Survey, Annual Automation Survey, Annual Dynamic Positioning Survey, Annual Navigational Bridge Layout and Equipment/Systems Survey and Annual Load Line Inspection, when authorized by Flag Administration, for the first time.
Eligible vessels include general cargo vessels, barges (other than tank barges), tugs, offshore support vessels and liquified natural gas carriers under 15 years of age, with a few qualifying criteria.
Additionally, ABS now allows alternate annual surveys to be conducted remotely, except the fifth annual survey, which has special survey requirements.
