BV completes Singapore’s first remote harbor tug survey

Written by Nick Blenkey
image description

PSA Marine Engineering Officer updating BV surveyor over smart mobile device

Bureau Veritas Marine Singapore has successfully completed the first fully accredited annual survey of a Singapore registered harbor tug conducted remotely, without a surveyor physically present onboard the vessel.

The survey was carried out on the LNG dual fuel tug PSA Aspen and was conducted in collaboration with the vessel’s owner, towage and pilotage specialist PSA Marine (Pte) Ltd.

With the aid of smart mobile devices and an optimized live-streaming application, the crew onboard PSA Aspen and a surveyor in BV’s Singapore office, were able to communicate effectively and seamlessly to conduct the annual marine survey of classification and statutory requirements. The BV surveyor conveyed instructions live, seeing and recording relevant images and real-time video, while archiving material capability for the electronic survey report.

With physical distancing measures and travel restrictions arising from COVID-19, being able to confidently rely on robust remote surveys has become increasingly important. This pilot project has demonstrated how the capability works in practice to set a template for future delivery.

“We are delighted to partner with BV in piloting the first remote annual marine survey for harbor tugs in Singapore. The innovative technologies used in the remote survey have enabled PSA Marine to complete our surveys on schedule despite COVID-19, while ensuring our harbor tugs continue serving our customers without delay or disruptions. Our staff have embraced these changes and technologies with agility and resilience. They are fully supportive of PSA Marine’s continuing efforts to build a smarter, safer and more efficient fleet of the future,” said Peter Chew, Managing Director of PSA Marine.

“We were ready to deliver remotely and had started developing a world-wide network of remote survey centers (RSC),” said David Barrow, Vice-President, Bureau Veritas, Marine & Offshore. “We can see that the pandemic has accelerated an understanding of the potential of digitally delivered services. Our work with PSA Marine, focused on delivering pragmatic digital services, is helping to ensure operational continuity while building trust and supporting innovation and Singapore’s digital transformation roadmap.”

“Remote surveying technique not only helps us to manage the COVID-19 situation, but also enhances standards of efficiency, safety and sustainability in the ship survey process. Since the onset of COVID-19, MPA has been conducting remote surveys on Singapore-registered ships. We are encouraged to see this first remote survey for PSA Marine harbour tug and will regularly review technologies as they mature for ship inspections to be carried out in a transparent and reliable manner,” said Goh Chung Hun, Director of Shipping/Marine of the Singapore Maritime & Port Authority (MPA).

Categories: Coastal, COVID-19 RESOURCES, News Tags: , , , ,