Hull Inspections:

• Purpose: ROVs are deployed to inspect the hulls of vessels, including ships and submarines. Regular hull inspections help identify damage, revealing details such as biofouling, corrosion or structural issues, cracks and failed coatings by capturing photos, videos and data to create digital models.

 

• Tasks:

  • Biofouling Removal: ROVs can optimize biofouling removal by capturing images and videos of the hull. Biofouling (such as algae and barnacles) affects vessel performance and fuel efficiency.

  • Steel Thickness Measurement: ROVs equipped with ultrasonic thickness measurement (UTM) sensors can assess steel thickness. This information is crucial for maintenance and safety.

  • Damage Detection: ROVs uncover hull damages, such as dents, scratches, or structural issues.

  • Stuck Objects: Sometimes foreign objects get lodged in the propellers or other parts of the hull. ROVs can identify and document these obstructions.

Benefits:

• Reduced Risk: Using ROVs minimizes the risk to human divers during inspections.

• Live Streaming: ROVs can stream live video to stakeholders, allowing real-time collaboration.

• Cost-Effective: ROVs eliminate the need for organizing diver inspections in advance, saving time and expenses1.

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• Propellers and Running Gear Inspections:

  • ROVs inspect propellers, rudders, and other running gear components.

  • Regular inspections help maintain optimal performance and prevent unexpected issues.
     

• Internal Spaces and Tanks:

  • ROVs can assess internal spaces, such as sea chests, box coolers, and fuel/ballast tanks.

  • They detect biofouling, blockages, and structural issues within these confined areas.