Naval architecture and marine engineering company Foreship, will from now on use drones in an effort to improve the accuracy of readings as well as the speed and safety of draught surveys.
After several successful trials, the company has added the method to its service offering.
To remind, a draught survey is typically performed from a boat operated alongside the vessel.
The traditional way of taking draught readings is time-consuming, and there are always some risks when launching a manned boat from a vessel, such that it is best avoided when not absolutely necessary. Then there is the question of accuracy: it can be difficult for a surveyor to take precise measurements in waves, while the ship operator’s interest is for the process to be completed in as short a time as possible, for example.
… Markus Aarnio, Chief Naval Architect, Foreship noted.
In light of the above, Foreship decided to use drones since they are fast, highly manoeuvrable and can be controlled from a remote location.
This eliminates the need for a survey boat, saving time and improving safety. The technology also allows greater accuracy, because even in choppy waters, the video footage captured by the drone allows us to determine the draught reading correctly.
…Aarnio added.
Concluding, the procedure can be carried out at any port or shipyard where permission to operate drones can be obtained, while following company’s early discussions with classification societies suggest that receiving class approval will not be an issue.
