C-Bird used the Elios 3 to inspect the hull of a cargo ship, delivering results that were safer, faster, and more efficient than ever before. SAFETY: By using the Elios 3 for hull inspections, there was no need for scaffolding in cargo tanks, eliminating around 10,000 hours of work at height in confined spaces. COST SAVINGS: Replacing scaffolding with the Elios 3 during the vessel survey saved approximately $1 million, along with significant time and logistics savings. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS: Using a drone instead of rafting reduced the generation of oil-contaminated water, which would otherwise require costly treatment and disposal. DATA QUALITY: The onboard LiDAR on the Elios 3 enabled precise data localization, making it easier to share findings with stakeholders during the survey. Over 90% of the world's cargo ships are subject to the IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR). These rules set the standards for design, construction, and operation of vessels. Once in service, ships must renew their classification every five years, and a major part of this process is the Hull Survey, which assesses structural integrity. Crude oil tankers face some of the most challenging inspection requirements, especially when it comes to inspecting the inside of Cargo Oil Tanks (COTs). Many critical areas are out of reach, requiring either scaffolding or rafting—both of which are time-consuming, costly, and risky. The scale of a cargo tank is immense – scaffolding here can rise tens of meters high, making detailed hull inspection difficult. As a vessel ages, the complexity and cost of hull surveys increase. For ships over 15–20 years old, the cost of erecting scaffolding alone can exceed $1 million, which makes up a large portion of the total project cost for class renewal. Building scaffolding not only poses safety risks but also increases operational risk. Workers are exposed to hazardous environments, and foreign objects like scaffold parts can cause damage to cargo pumps, leading to unplanned downtime. Rafting, on the other hand, brings environmental challenges due to the massive amount of oil-contaminated water generated. A US-based oil tanker operator needed to conduct a No. 4 Special (20-year-old) periodical survey on one of its vessels. The 250-meter ship, classified by ABS, was being dry-docked in Southeast Asia for class renewal and other maintenance tasks. The operator had been working with C-Bird for several years, using the Elios 2 for close-up inspections. This partnership had already significantly reduced the need for scaffolding during class surveys. Now, they aimed to use the Elios 3 for this inspection, minimizing personnel entry into the hull and reducing risks while still gathering all necessary data. Initially, the plan was to use an underwater ROV, but after evaluating options, C-Bird concluded that the Elios 3 was the better choice for this task. C-Bird pilot Malcolm Connolly, who had previously used the Elios 2, opted for the Elios 3 for this mission. He wanted to take advantage of the drone’s 3D Live Map feature to navigate in areas where he couldn’t see the drone directly. He also tested the new UT payload for ultrasonic thickness measurements. Malcolm of C-Bird guides the drone through the empty space during the hull inspection. The Elios 3 was flown into the cargo tanks without any personnel entering the space. Malcolm navigated the entire hull, capturing 4K video footage and simultaneous 3D LiDAR scans. The data was then processed in Inspector 4, creating a full 3D model of the inspected area along with clear visual records. The Elios 3 inspection combining LiDAR data and visual feed. The Elios 3’s 3D Live Map allowed the C-Bird team to ensure complete coverage of the required areas from the safety of the ship’s deck. This eliminated the need for confined space entry, reduced the risk of dropped objects, and minimized manual handling and crew support. It also cut down the time needed to prepare for each cargo tank inspection. Malcolm Connolly, CEO of C-Bird, said, “The 3D laser scan from the Elios 3 allows for accurate data localization. This moves us closer to true risk-based asset management and automation. Reliable data localization means we can repeat surveys precisely, measure changes over time, and even use machine learning to predict maintenance needs. That’s the future of marine inspections.†He emphasized several key advantages of the Elios 3, including: Thanks to the Elios 3, C-Bird completed a safer, faster, and more efficient hull inspection. By eliminating the need for scaffolding, over 10,000 hours of work at height were avoided. C-Bird and their client both appreciated the simplified logistics and environmental benefits, as the drone eliminated the need for water-filled tanks during rafting. They also saw the value of the Elios 3 as a viable alternative to underwater ROVs. The Elios 3 provided enough accurate data for the class renewal, allowing inspectors to identify key points of interest. This contributed to the successful reclassification of the vessel. The case study highlights how advancements in drone technology are reshaping the maritime industry, offering smarter, safer, and more sustainable solutions for critical operations. Stainless Steel Screen,Perforated Stainless Steel Screen,Stainless Steel Screen Door,Stainless Steel Screen Bunnings glorybest industry co.,ltd , https://www.hbglorybest.comRemote Hull Inspection Saves $1 Million with the Elios 3
Key Benefits at a Glance
Seeking a Safer and More Efficient Inspection Method
Inspecting the Ship’s Hull with the Elios 3 Drone
How the Elios 3 Transforms Hull Inspections in Maritime
Revolutionizing Hull Inspections with Drones