Classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) is expanding its remote survey capabilities with the opening of two new centres in Dubai and Istanbul, specifically designed to provide digital survey services.
The addition of these new facilities follows on from the recent opening of remote survey centres in Rotterdam and Piraeus, as BV continues with its strategy to deploy 24/7 remote capabilities on a global basis.
The class society notes that, while it had already developed an existing remote and digital delivery platform, the conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic have changed market perceptions about remote surveys and accelerated its plans.
“There is a growing comfort with the process. We are combining the best of our insight and expertise with remote access,” said Kerem Kiper, Vice President for India, Middle East and Africa, BV.
“Where remote survey has really proved its worth is in line with our original vision, such as for occasional surveys, including particular damage surveys, where we can look at an issue immediately rather than waiting for the next port call or opportunity to inspect.”
“Post-crisis, remote surveys will be part of whatever our ‘new normal’ looks like. It is a way to facilitate access to the ship for the surveyor by reducing the need for transportation resulting in a cost reduction for the shipowner, but also a safer way for the surveyor while reducing the carbon footprint of Bureau Veritas services.”