ABS Expands Remote Survey Options
Classification society ABS said it is expanding its remote survey options for vessel owners and extending its remote survey and audit services for equipment and materials manufacturers and other service providers. The move comes as more firms turn to digital solutions to continue business amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“As organizations rely more heavily on remote and virtual operations, ABS is making it easier for vessel owners and equipment manufacturers to leverage digital applications by offering even more remote surveys and audit options,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
ABS already provides remote survey for vessels, and now it has expanded its remote offerings to include Drydocking Extensions and Radio Renewals and will offer additional remote services in the near future, it said.
Additionally, ABS has extended its remote survey and audit services to existing equipment manufacturing and external specialist clients enrolled in ABS programs in the U.S., South America and Europe.
Powered by advances in remote technology, remote surveys and audits augment the traditional survey experience by allowing surveyors to perform a range of actions without being physically present while simultaneously capturing all survey and audit requirements. Access to remote surveys and audits allows for business continuity, particularly during challenging times that may create scheduling conflicts, personnel or logistical issues such as the current COVID-19 period.
Earlier this week, another classification society, RINA, said its remote technology has been approved the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR) for the inspections of Liberian flagged vessels, and that shipowner d’Amico will trial the service.