All DNV GL-classed vessels wil now be able to conduct remote surveys for selected inspections using an online connection or video streaming link, the classification society has announced, removing the need for a DNV GL surveyor to travel to the vessel.
Connecting via the DNV GL Veracity data platform a team of remote surveyors will be available to provide support to vessels anywhere in the world through online sharing of documentation, images, video (streaming or recordings), and any other required input provided by the crew.
“This is another big step forward in using the power of digitalisation and increased connectivity to deliver smarter and more efficient services,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime.
“Remote surveys allow us to free up time for our customers, while delivering our services with unparalleled response time. In addition, cutting down on unnecessary travel can result in lower costs, less waiting, and more operational up-time.”
“We’ve had a great response from our customers and support from major flag states, and we are deeply appreciative of the feedback provided to us to make this project a great success.”
More than 1,000 remote surveys were completed during the pilot and scaling up phase by the Direct Access to Technical Experts (DATE) units based in the DNV GL Maritime Operational Centre in Norway, supported by additional units in Hamburg, Singapore, Houston and Piraeus. Technology testing began in 2017, with the first production pilots in June 2018.
When a customer makes a survey request through DNV GL’s fleet portal on the Veracity platform, they may, for some survey types, be given the option by the system to choose to carry out the survey remotely. All such survey requests are then evaluated by a remote surveyor to make sure that the survey can be offered remotely.
“This gives us consistency in how the surveys are handled and the ability to offer around the clock service anywhere in the world at exceptional quality levels. In addition, the introduction of electronic certificates for all vessels, which allows us to publish and transmit the survey results immediately, has been pivotal to our successful launch of remote surveys,” said Mr Ørbeck-Nilssen.
The types of surveys that can be offered as remote surveys by DNV GL include: occasional surveys that fall between periodical surveys, documentation-based surveys, testing and witnessing systems during normal operation, and surveys not ordered together with annual surveys.
Periodical surveys like the annual survey of a vessel are not part of the remote survey programme as they require a surveyor onboard.
