The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport of the Government of Singapore, is exploring the use of drones for remote ship inspections.
Andrew Tan, MPA’s Chief Executive, said that the acceptance criteria for aerial surveys of Singapore-registered ships would be likely to be rolled out in the first quarter next year.
He made the comments at the Singapore Registry of Ships Forum on November 17, 2017, while highlighting the significant role that the Internet of Things (IoT), digitalization, and new technologies such as blockchain and smart drones had to play in providing services to customers.
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Drones can obtain high definition photography and videos of damage, corrosion, or rust for maintenance and repair purposes without having to shut down systems or facilities.
According to Singapore-based newspaper The Straits Times, Tan said: “Such methods of remote inspection are safer because marine surveyors do not have to put themselves in precarious positions onboard the ship to conduct inspections.
“The use of drones also reduces man hours and costs for ship owners – it is a win-win situation for all.”
