The project, supported by the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), marks the first time a harbor tug registered under the Singapore Registry of Ships has undergone a fully accredited annual survey conducted remotely, without a physically present surveyor on board the vessel.

PSA Marine worked with BV to innovate and develop new approaches for digital and remote marine surveys.

The crew on board PSA Aspen and a surveyor at BV's Singapore office were able to conduct the annual marine classification survey with the help of smart mobile devices and an optimized live streaming application.

The BV surveyor conveyed live instructions, viewing and recording relevant images and real-time video, while archiving material capability for reporting on electronic surveys.

With physical distancing steps and travel restrictions stemming from COVID-19, it has become increasingly important to rely confidently on robust remote surveys.

“The innovative technologies used in the remote survey have enabled PSA Marine to complete our surveys on schedule despite COVID-19, while ensuring our harbor tugs continue serving our customers without delay or disruptions. Our staff have embraced these changes and technologies with agility and resilience,” Peter Chew, Managing Director of PSA Marine, stated.

“We were ready to deliver remotely and had started developing a world-wide network of remote survey centers (RSC). We can see that the pandemic has accelerated an understanding of the potential of digitally delivered services," he added.

BV and PSA Marine are optimistic that process automation and digital technology, such as remote surveys, will increasingly be accepted and adopted as the new normal in a post-COVID-19 world, with the ability to adapt and change being key success factors in the future of the maritime industry.

Maritime Business World