Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) recently completed a successful pilot to trial Port Crane Inspection Services from Lloyd’s Register (LR) using a drone. During the proof-of-concept exercise, drone technology was used to inspect traditionally hard to reach areas of the crane structure.
“The pilot has been a fantastic experience,” comments Adani Head of Engineering & Projects, Jimmy Bhansari. “Traditionally we have used scaffolding to enable surveyors to inspect cranes and it has been difficult to access certain areas. The drones have helped us save time while removing the restrictions on where we can inspect, with less risk involved. We see this as being revolutionary in port crane maintenance operations.”
Adani Ports plans to use the drone again during the next inspection to highlight changes in the condition of the crane, which will in turn help identify areas of focus for future maintenance work.
LR’s Innovation Lead for the area, Chin Chee Tan points out that port cranes require periodic in-service inspections to ensure they remain in optimum condition. “Using drone technology combined with the expertise of our surveyors who interpret the images to make engineering-based judgements, provides a cost-effective solution to businesses,” he adds.
