Dutch paint maker AkzoNobel, oil and gas tanker operator Barrier Group and DroneOps have joined forces to develop a drone capable of remotely inspecting enclosed spaces and ballast water tanks.

The project will use advanced virtual reality technology to deliver safer, more accurate evaluations of ballast water tanks, offshore wind farms and other enclosed or difficult-to-access spaces on ships and marine structures, studying coatings and corrosion.

By replacing human inspections with a drone, routine maintenance can be monitored remotely and in real time by office-based staff, with instant feedback available to the vessel or offshore structure.

This will reduce costs, improve efficiency and significantly reduce risk to human life during essential maintenance. — VNS