Photos: DNV GL i
DRONE TYPE INFO _____________________
CUSTOM
The Custom drone, a five-kilogramme heavyweight, is the
largest of the DNV GL survey drones. With a 20-minute operating time it is ideal for external surveys.
During an offshore survey the pilots have to manoeuvre the drone along structures at distances of up to 180 metres. “In this kind of environment the wind is the greatest risk factor. We chose the DJI Phantom drone for the Safe Scandinavia survey, because it can be fitted with a cage. Protecting the drone was important, since we were operating it close to obstacles such as anchor chains and wires. What is great about the DJI Phantom drone is its compact size. It fits into a backpack, making it convenient to take offshore by helicopter,” explains Alba. The successful survey demonstrated that the Custom drone was up to the challenge: it not only survived the inspection but also delivered valuable results.
The future of drone surveys Looking ahead Galinski expects drones to revolutionize the inspection regime. “I am confident we will see the introduction of autonomous drones. This would open up many new possibilities. For example, they could be dropped into inerted compartments where humans cannot enter,” he explains. The surveyor could stay outside while the drone would follow a predefined flight path to check the condition of the compartment. “This would enable us to carry out inspections without
lengthy preparations, while keeping the surveyors safe,” adds Galinski. In future, it might even be possible for an autonomous drone equipped with artificial intelligence to carry out a survey independently, monitored by the surveyor from the shore office using a virtual-reality headset.
For the time being, the autonomous functionality still requires further development. “Outside drones can follow a predefined flight path using a GPS signal. But for confined steel compartments we need to find an alternative approach,” says Galinski. In a joint research project DNV GL and the University of Trondheim, Norway, are developing an autonomous drone. With several options under consideration, Galinski expects to see the first autonomous surveys of inerted compartments in the near future. “Two of our drone pilots have completed the BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) certification, allowing them to operate drones beyond the line of sight. So while drone inspections remain a niche for now, more advanced models with AI capabilities could soon transform ship surveys. We want to be ready for this.” AJO
DNV GL Expert, Cezary Galinski, Senior Principal Surveyor Phone: +48 58 511 5218 | E-Mail:
cezary.galinski@
dnvgl.com
The Report • March 2018 • Issue 83 | 65
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