BV opens first remote survey center in Rotterdam

The center is part of BV’s North European Zone head office and BV’s Zone Marine Operations Center.

“This is a new and important milestone in the BV global strategy of digital classification using digital technologies to transform the operating model of classification for the benefits of its clients,” said Laurent Leblanc, senior vice president, technical and operations, BV.

BV has conducted a full program of tests and proof of concepts confirming that the relevant technologies are now mature enough to enable remote surveys. Technologies used include optimised live-streaming solutions, connected devices (smart phones, tablets, Go-Pro cameras, smart glasses, augmented reality), and connectivity on board with improvements from 4G networks and 5G yet to be realised.

During the development process different operating modes were tested in different modes of connectedness: offline, partly on-line, and fully online.

In the fully online mode, which is the fastest and most comprehensive remote survey mode, the onboard client uses connected devices to show the ship’s condition in real time to a remote surveyor and this means a survey in real time can be closed at the end of a call.

BV noted that the benefits to clients include speed of response and no travel or waiting time, optimisation in the decision-making process thanks to live-streaming solutions, and cost control through overall reductions in travel time and arrangements.

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“This remote capability is really just starting to make an impact on our clients. It is a vital development for the future of classification,” Leblanc said.