Korean Register to Inspect Ships with Drones

Ship classification society Korean Register (KR) is now conducting inspection services using drones, responding to the industry-wide trend to use more unmanned technology.

Inspections are conducted onboard, in and around ships, and many of the inspected areas are high risk and difficult to access safely.

As explained, the inspections will be carried out using drones and underwater drones and will be an important part of the decision-making and assessment process for KR’s surveyors.

The new service, which has been trialed and now launched, follows collaboration and research conducted with the University of Gyeongnam Geochang, according to the KR. After researching the possibilities and technology available, KR successfully completed a series of tests utilizing camera-equipped drones for ship inspections, and at the same time established a registration process for service suppliers, including the university.

“We can now offer full ship inspection services with camera-equipped drones, employing the very latest technology. This development will be a significant advantage for our customers’, saving their time and capital resources as well as increasing efficiency and safety at the worksite, which I hope, will in turn improve competitiveness across the shipping industry,” Lee Jeong-kie, Chairman and CEO of KR, commented.

Moving forward, KR plans to provide services using a variety of different drones to expand its inspection service areas.