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Remote Hull inspection saves $1 million with the Elios 3
# Remote Hull Inspection Saves $1 Million Using the Elios 3
When it comes to inspecting the hull of a cargo ship, traditional methods can be risky, costly, and inefficient. That’s why C-Bird turned to the Elios 3 for a recent hull inspection on a cargo ship— and the results were nothing short of revolutionary.
## Key Benefits at a Glance
### SAFETY
By using the Elios 3, C-Bird completely eliminated the need for scaffolding in the cargo tanks, which meant avoiding approximately 10,000 hours of working at height in confined spaces. This significantly reduced the risk of accidents and injuries.
### COST REDUCTION
Switching to the Elios 3 instead of relying on scaffolding for access to hard-to-reach areas saved around $1 million during the vessel survey. This wasn’t just about cutting costs; it also meant substantial time and logistical savings.
### ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Using a drone instead of rafting to inspect cargo tanks prevented the creation of massive amounts of oil-contaminated water, which would require treatment before disposal. This approach was far more environmentally friendly.
### DATA QUALITY
The onboard LiDAR on the Elios 3 enabled precise data localization, allowing for easy sharing of findings with all stakeholders. This ensured that everyone involved had access to accurate, reliable information.
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## The Challenge of Traditional Hull Inspections
For context, over 90% of the world’s cargo-carrying vessels fall under the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Common Structural Rules (CSR). These rules dictate the standards for designing, constructing, and operating vessels, with specific criteria depending on the vessel classification.
Once a vessel is in operation, it must renew its Class certification every five years. A major component of this certification involves conducting a Hull Survey to assess the structural integrity of the ship.
Crude oil tankers, in particular, face stringent inspection requirements because much of the structure requiring close-up survey is inside the Cargo Oil Tanks (COT), and many critical areas are out of reach for surveyors. To access these areas, shipowners typically either construct scaffolding or fill the tanks with water for rafting—a labor-intensive and often risky process.
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## A New Approach with the Elios 3
A U.S.-based oil tanker fleet operator needed to conduct a No. 4 Special (20-year-old) periodic survey on one of its vessels. The 250-meter-long ship, classed by The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), was being dry-docked in Southeast Asia for its class renewal and other maintenance work.
The operator, known for embracing robotics innovations in the marine industry, had already collaborated with C-Bird for several years, leveraging Elios 2 for close-up surveys across its fleet. This partnership had drastically reduced scaffold requirements during class renewal surveys.
This time, the goal was to conduct a hull survey using the Elios 3, minimizing personnel entry into the hull while still capturing all necessary data. Initially, there was a plan to use a hull inspection ROV. However, C-Bird’s experience with Elios drones convinced them that, in this case, a drone was the superior choice.
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## Inspecting the Hull with the Elios 3
Malcolm Connolly, a C-Bird pilot, decided to use the new Elios 3 for this particular inspection. He wanted to take advantage of the LiDAR live map feature to navigate in environments where he couldn’t see the drone. Additionally, he tested the new UT (ultrasonic thickness) payload to gather precise measurements of structural integrity.
The drone was flown into the cargo tanks without anyone entering the space. Malcolm maneuvered the drone around the entire hull, capturing 4K video footage and simultaneously scanning the structures with 3D LiDAR. Once the flights were complete, the data was imported into Inspector 4 for processing.
Processing the data ensured there was no ambiguity about what the drone had surveyed or where any anomalies were located. The entire space was reconstructed in 3D, along with clear video footage for review.
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## Transforming the Maritime Industry
The Elios 3’s 3D live map proved invaluable in helping the C-Bird team achieve full coverage of the correct areas without needing to enter the COTs. This eliminated confined space entry risks entirely. Moreover, the mission’s efficiency was enhanced by avoiding the need to haul equipment in or out of the tanks, reducing the risk of dropped objects and minimizing manual handling requirements.
Malcolm Connolly, CEO and founder of C-Bird, emphasized the importance of the 3D laser scan produced by the Elios 3. “This technology allows for accurate localization of data,†he said. “It brings us closer to true risk-based asset management and automation. Being able to reliably localize data means we can repeat surveys precisely, measure changes between surveys, and even predict maintenance needs using machine learning. It’s exactly where the marine industry wants to go.â€
Malcolm highlighted several key benefits of using the Elios 3:
- Full data coverage ensured surveyors captured all necessary areas, despite the tank’s large size and uniform features.
- Safety improved by reducing human entry into confined spaces and working at heights.
- Cost savings eliminated the need for scaffolding and prolonged downtime.
- The drone handled high temperatures (up to 45 degrees Celsius) effectively.
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## Making Hull Inspections Easier with Drones
Thanks to the Elios 3, C-Bird completed a safer, faster, and more efficient hull inspection. Avoiding scaffolding saved over 10,000 hours of working at height. Both C-Bird and their client appreciated the simplified logistics of the project and the environmental benefits of not contaminating water for rafting inspections.
The Elios 3’s 3D mapping provided inspectors with sufficient data for class renewal, identifying key points of interest with accuracy. This contributed to the ship’s successful reclassification.
In conclusion, this case study demonstrates how advancements in drone technology are revolutionizing the marine industry, offering safer, more efficient, and cost-effective solutions for hull inspections.
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