Optimizing Vessel Performance with ROVs

Rachel Doornekamp | February 28th, 2020

What is an ROV?
Benefits of ROV Use for Inspection
Vessel Operations Optimization
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Safe and efficient shipping is imperative for the overall success of the maritime industry, however when much of the work happens below the surface there are limited options for getting a visual on what is going on. With a Deep Trekker ROV in the toolbox, operators can get eyes underwater exactly when they need them.

Protecting the integrity of a ship’s hull is extremely important in order to keep a vessel at peak performance. In addition to negatively impacting speed and fuel efficiency, a damaged hull can be harmful to the ship, crew, cargo, and surrounding marine life.

While regular hull inspections are a necessity for optimal vessel performance they can be difficult. In addition to being expensive, dry docking takes ships out of commission for extended periods of time. Hiring divers not only requires time and money, but also potentially puts people into dangerous situations.

With ROVs providing an efficient method of hull inspection, vessels can be consistently monitored to optimize maintenance schedules and maximize performance.

What is an ROV?

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are unoccupied, highly maneuverable underwater robots that can be used to explore submerged worlds while being operated by a person at topside.

Deep Trekker offers two models of ROVs, DTG3 and REVOLUTION . The DTG3 is a mini-observation class ROV built to provide operators with the opportunity to quickly deploy and visually inspect underwater environments. The REVOLUTION is a mission-ready ROV, completely reimagined to handle larger payloads at deeper depths.

Benefits of Remotely Operated Vehicle Use for Inspection

The use of ROVs for vessel inspection are numerous. Providing benefits in regards to safety, finances and efficiency, the use of ROVs for vessel inspection has proven to be advantageous.

The primary benefit of ROV use for inspection is keeping human divers out of the water. By using an ROV in lieu of divers, people are kept out of potentially dangerous scenarios. An ROV is able to be driven into the confined and hazardous situations that it would be prudent for a human to avoid going into. Human safety is a chief benefit to ROV use for vessel inspection.

An additional key benefit of ROV use for vessel inspection is the financial efficiency of an ROV when compared to alternative methods. With an ROV, dive teams do not need to be hired to conduct inspection. Furthermore, dry docking can be seriously reduced allowing for additional financial savings. Finally, the ease in which inspections can be conducted allow for operators to catch minor issues before they become large and expensive problems. With an ROV, maritime teams have the ability to reduce their spending significantly.

Relating to the financial efficiency of ROV use for vessel inspection is the ability to save significant amounts of time through the use of an ROV. By using an ROV for hull inspections, vessel teams do not have to wait for scheduled dive teams to arrive. Moreover, inspections can be conducted in a convenient and timely fashion without the need for unnecessary dry docking.

Deploy a ROV to perform quick, safe and affordable hull inspections

Vessel Operations Optimization

Through ROV inspection maritime teams can optimize vessel operation. The consistency of inspection made possible by ROVs allows for frequent updates in regards to the state of a ship’s hull. By staying on top of inspections, operators can make well-informed decisions regarding repairs, coatings, dry docking schedules, etc.

With ROVs providing an efficient method of hull inspection, vessels can be consistently monitored to optimize maintenance schedules and maximize performance.

Conclusion

The use of ROVs has been proven to optimize vessel performance. By providing operators with a reliable and convenient manner in which to conduct hull inspections, inspections can be done regularly to ensure the structural integrity of the hull. In addition to catching minor issues early, with frequent inspections operators have the data they need to make informed decisions regarding repairs and shipping schedules. Furthermore, the use of ROVs for vessel inspection keeps human divers out of harm’s way in a quick and financially efficient manner.

To learn about real life examples of the DTG3 in action, check out Foss Maritime’s recent customer story. Read more about the use of ROVs in the maritime and workboat industry. Our industry experts are here to answer your questions, reach out today!