AzkoNobel consortium uses VR in offshore inspection drone
AkzoNobel Marine Coatings Business, Barrier Group and DroneOps are set to develop a new drone for the high-risk inspection of ballast water tanks and offshore wind farms. The Remote Evaluation of Coatings and Corrosion on Offshore Marine Structures and Ships project will bring together the owners of ships and offshore structures, as well as experts in coating and corrosion, drone construction, and aims to combine virtual reality technology and semi-autonomous drones to develop a machine that can carry out the high-risk tasks, with real-time data relayed to staff. Completion of the drone and launch is expected in October 2017.
Shiprepair & Maintenance: eNews February 2017 Drone technology is already playing an increasing role in the maritime industry for inspection and survey work. This type of technology can offer reduced costs, increased efficiency and improved safety. AkzoNobel Marine Coatings Business, Barrier Group and DroneOps are to collaborate on the development of a new drone specifically for the inspection of ballast water tanks and offshore wind farms. The RECOMMS (Remote Evaluation of Coatings and Corrosion on Offshore Marine Structures and Ships) project will use virtual reality technology and semi-autonomous drones in what they hope will provide more accurate assessment of coating and corrosion in ballast water tank and other difficult to access spaces. The vision is that manual human inspections will be replaced by routine remote drone inspections providing real time data to office based staff and superintendents. Michael Hindmarsh, Business Development Manager at AkzoNobel’s Marine Coatings Business, said: “Surveys of enclosed spaces and ballast water tanks are an essential part of routine maintenance on board vessels and offshore structures, and are increasingly critical for ship owners. However inspecting these areas thoroughly can require working at height, entering confined spaces, and negotiating slippery surfaces that could be poorly lit, all of which are high-risk activities that the maritime industry is keen to address.” The project will bring together experts on coating and corrosion, drone construction, repair and inspections as well as the owners of ship and offshore structures. The drone is completed and launch, is planned for October 2017. A new guide for the use offshore of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, has just been published by Oil & Gas UK. It aims to aims to improve the safety and operating standards already adopted on the UK Continental Shelf for production and helicopter flight operations. The guidelines have evolved from lessons learnt in recent years and provide information about best practice, procedures and the certification needed to be compliant with UAS regulations. Mick Borwell, health, safety and environment director with Oil & Gas UK, said that, “A small but increasing number of oil and gas operators are using UAS for inspections predominantly, but also for aerial photography, surveying and security. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations Management Standards and Guidelines – Issue 1 2017 (HSE05) is free to Oil & Gas UK member & associate and priced at £60 to non-members. It is available only in PDF format.