DNV GL introduces remote survey for offshore container certification

With the completion of the first remote survey to certify an offshore container, DNV GL brings offshore equipment manufacturers a new level of flexibility and efficiency in the certification of materials and components.

DNV GL is now able to offer remote survey for the certification of offshore containers under DNV GL Standard No. 2.7-1 (DNV GL 2.7-1). This alternative to traditional inspection methods makes scheduling surveys more convenient and flexible, improves safety for surveyors and increases transparency, while reducing costs and giving customers access to the global network of DNV GL experts.

DNV GL surveyor Alan McCollum guides Advanced Building Services through testing via remote survey

When Craig Dugas, Design and Project manager at Advanced Building Services, requested certification of a container located in Louisiana, he did not imagine the survey would be carried out by a DNV GL surveyor located over 200 miles away at the DNV GL Houston headquarters. “We’ve relied on DNV GL to certify offshore containers for us for many years,” said Dugas. “When the remote survey method was introduced it peaked our interest. The impact of the survey on our schedule was minimal, and we avoided travel costs entirely. In the cost-constrained oil and gas industry, innovations like this are needed”

Equipped with a camera or smartphone and DNV GL’s dedicated software, the onsite technician receives remote, real-time support from a DNV GL Surveyor to carry out the survey.

During the survey, the DNV GL surveyor guides the technician through the tests necessary to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of DNV GL 2.7-1.  The remote survey also lets the surveyor bring in extra DNV GL specialists to provide deeper expertise during the remote survey process, regardless of their current locations.    

With remote survey DNV GL surveyors do not need to travel to remote locations, offshore platforms, saving cost and time. Depending on the type of certification and the required tests, a standalone camera system may also need to be installed.

“Schedules are constantly changing, so if you sit down to map out where and when the work needs to be done it can be a logistical nightmare,” said Nick Prokopuk, Manager of Lifting Appliances, Offshore Equipment, Structures and Drilling at DNV GL. “The remote survey method means we can deliver the same level of quality, while making the process more efficient for both our customers and ourselves. It also makes requests at short notice more easy to manage, and we reduce overall downtime, both of which translate into cost savings. Remote survey may not be right for every project, but we will work with our clients to identify and implement the right approach for maximum efficiency.