The shipping industry seems to rapidly mobilizing to face the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR) will use RINA’s remote technology for inspections of Liberian flagged vessels and as announced, Shipowner d’Amico will take advantage of this facility in a pilot case on his fleet. It is anticipated that the decision of LISCR could shortly be followed by other Flag Administrations.
“The shipping industry is currently facing an unprecedented challenge and shoulders the responsibility of maintaining the flow of international trade during this crisis. To ensure operational continuity, it is vital that we remain flexible and adjust our procedures in a way that protects personnel from exposure to the virus, while also increasing efficiency.” Alfonso Castillero, COO of LISCR said.
Salvatore d’Amico, fleet director at d’Amico Società di Navigazione and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Liberia, commented: “For the d’Amico Group, the safety of crews, shore personnel and ship operations is a priority. Shipowners and all operators in the sector are now facing an unprecedented challenge that can only be won by staying united and finding together technologically advanced solutions to protect human life and to ensure the continuity of operations efficiently. We are very satisfied with the agreement between RINA and LISCR, one of the most important registers in the world, and with which the d’Amico Group has also been collaborating for a long time”.
Remote inspection devices could become common place in the future, replacing or assisting the attendance of surveyors. In addition to remote inspections techniques such as drones, ROVs, etc., RINAS provides a sophisticated portable headset with camera complete with head-up display and a new smartphone app.
“There is no doubt in my mind that this is the technology of the future and I am pleased that RINA is in a position to maintain business continuity for our marine customers during this challenging time”, Nello Sulfaro, CEO of RINA Services, said.
