Offshore Marine Technology: 2nd Quarter 2020
Classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) says it has witnessed a 900% increase in demand for remote inspection of offshore assets, machinery and equipment since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This translates to more than 20 additional requests from oilfield-servicing companies since the start of 2020, the class society adds.
Paul Shrieve, VP for offshore and services at BV, comments: “Previously, the remote inspection of assets and equipment received a limited reception and was thought of as a good idea: something that the industry should get around to. Customers have been considering remote inspection as an alternative way to meet Offshore Safety Directive [OSD] requirements for some time. However, since the start of this year, demand has greatly increased; it is no longer a want but a need.”
As well as physically shielding its inspectors from exposure to the coronavirus, BV claims that its remote inspection services are saving time and money by eliminating the need for travel, particularly when this involves helicopter transits to offshore installations and vessels. BV adds that its services were specifically designed to meet the UK Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE’s) requirements and future intervention initiatives with the industry during the pandemic.
