RINA performs world first remote statutory and class surveys

Close-up surveys of ballast tanks and cargo holds were carried out using drones.

Genoa, Italy, headquartered classsification society RINA has successfully carried out what it reports are the world’s first statutory and associated class intermediate surveys using remote streaming technologies.

The surveys were carried out on the 2012-built, 37,064 dwt Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Cielo di Gaspesie, owned by the d’Amico Group.

On completion, the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), which attended the survey remotely, authorized RINA to certify the vessel.

The overall survey of the ship’s cargo holds was performed by means of mobile devices operated by the ship’s crew, using the RINA’ app. For close-up surveys, both mobile devices and drones were used. Thickness measurement operators were guided by the RINA surveyor using the screen sharing functionalities of the RINA app.

The survey included an inspection of the hull and machinery. The ship is subject to the enhanced programof inspections set by the international ESP Code; close-up surveys of ballast tanks and cargo holds were carried out accordingly, through drones.

It is anticipated that LISCR’s recent approval of RINA’s remote inspection technology for Liberian flagged vessels will soon be followed by other flag administrations.

NEW CLASS NOTATION

On completion of the survey, the Cielo di Gaspesie was assigned the new class notation “REMOTE” by RINA. This new notation identifies ships deemed by the society to be eligible to be surveyed remotely for the largest scope of class surveys as well as periodical surveys.

“The shipping industry is going through a permanent change,” saidPaolo Moretti, CEO of RINA Services. “The shipping industry is going through a permanent change. The COVID-19 emergency has just accelerated the already growing demand for remote services from the industry. From the beginning of the pandemic, the request for remote inspections has tripled compared to the previous period. Thanks to our app and live streaming technology, not only is safety guaranteed, but also the time taken for inspections is optimized. Remote technologies reach a level of detail that the human eye can’t and allow RINA’s specialists attending onshore to carry out an even more detailed inspection of the vessel”.

“We are very happy to have worked closely with RINA on this project,” said Alfonso Castillero, Chief Operating Officer of the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR). “We thank RINA for their wonderful work in making this a very comprehensive, yet practical approach, especially given the current circumstances and restrictions facing the maritime industry globally”.

“We are honored that the world first statutory and class intermediate survey with remote technologies was carried out on one our vessels, the bulk carrier Cielo di Gaspesie,” said Salvatore d’Amico, Fleet Director at d’Amico Società di Navigazione, “We are honored that the world first statutory and class intermediate survey with remote technologies, was carried out on one our vessels, the bulk carrier Cielo di Gaspesie. Our long-lasting relationship with RINA and with LISCR is leading to excellent results useful for all the shipping industry.”