Remote interrogation is the new endgame

Remote surveying techniques using drones and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly being used to support the transition to full ship autonomy. Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is a key technology that enables drones to safely navigate an environment, create or update a map of an unknown environment, and detect objects with centimetre-level accuracy. Other class societies are driving AI corrosion, such as Section and Chinese Classification Society, which are developing systems for capturing hull thickness measurements. The use of remote surveys and data-based remote interviewing is moving from remote witnessing mode to condition-based surveys and continuous status monitoring with high speed, low latency, and large data transfers. New digital capabilities such as digital twins of ships in service are becoming more common, and can help map hotspots and other vulnerable areas throughout the ship’s inspection history with 3D visualizations.
 
Joseph Morelos, Innovation Lead for Maritime AI Applications at Lloyd’s Register (LR), points out that the use of AI in advanced monitoring can increase operational safety and productivity by preventing outages and collateral damage, and that class societies should ensure that AI systems deployed by owners are effective, reliable and secure. To support this, LR has implemented security frameworks for maritime AI systems and announced a collaboration with the Alan Turing Institute. 
 
Michela Schenone, Marine Digital Solutions Manager at RINA, says that interest in remote surveying is growing, and RINA is developing tools such as electronic logbooks for owners to improve the quality of data and to proactively take care of ships. She foresees a paradigm shift towards fully digitized and remotely operated autonomous ships.


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