Maritime Inspection Drones: Transforming the future of corrosion inspection
Innovation continues to shape how inspections are carried out across the maritime sector. As recently highlighted by Protective Coatings Expert in an article by Eloise McMinn Mitchell, industrial inspection drones are increasingly being used to improve safety, reduce inspection times and gather high-quality data in challenging environments.
While traditional inspection methods remain essential, advances in drone technology—including ultrasonic thickness (UT) measurement, LiDAR and digital mapping—are expanding the options available to inspectors and asset owners. As these technologies continue to develop and gain wider acceptance, they are becoming an increasingly interesting area to watch for anyone involved in corrosion management, coatings and asset integrity.
In this article, we explore some of the key developments featured by Protective Coatings Expert and why they are generating attention across the maritime industry.
Expanding the inspection toolkit
Inspecting vessels has never been a straightforward task. Ballast tanks, cargo holds and other confined spaces often require scaffolding, rope access or rafting to enable inspectors to carry out detailed assessments safely.
Industrial inspection drones offer an alternative way of accessing these environments.
Unlike consumer drones designed for aerial photography, industrial drones are engineered to operate in complex, enclosed spaces where GPS signals are unavailable. Equipped with advanced navigation systems and high-resolution sensors, they can capture detailed inspection data from areas that would otherwise require significant preparation to access.
Rather than replacing established inspection methods, drones are becoming another tool that inspection teams can use where appropriate.
From visual inspections to ultrasonic thickness measurements
One of the most significant developments discussed in the Protective Coatings Expert article is the growing capability of inspection drones to carry out more than visual surveys.
Some platforms can now be equipped with ultrasonic thickness (UT) measurement technology, allowing inspectors to remotely collect wall thickness readings alongside visual inspection data.
Combined with technologies such as LiDAR scanning and thermal imaging, these systems can:
- Capture high-resolution visual images
- Record ultrasonic thickness measurements
- Create detailed 3D models of inspection areas
- Precisely locate inspection findings
- Support repeat inspections and long-term asset monitoring
The result is a richer set of inspection data that can support maintenance planning and asset integrity programmes.
Safety and efficiency remain key drivers
Reducing risk and improving efficiency continue to be major priorities across the maritime industry.
Traditional inspection methods often require personnel to work at height or enter confined spaces, activities that demand careful planning and robust safety controls.
Remote inspection technologies provide another way of gathering information while reducing the need for inspectors to access hazardous areas directly. They can also help reduce the time required for certain inspections, potentially shortening vessel downtime and improving operational efficiency.
These benefits are among the reasons why interest in inspection drones continues to grow.
Growing industry acceptance
One of the strongest indicators that inspection drones are moving beyond niche applications is their increasing recognition within the maritime sector.
As highlighted in the Protective Coatings Expert feature, classification societies, including the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), have evaluated drone technology for use in remote inspections. Guidance has evolved to recognise drone-assisted inspections in certain applications, reflecting growing confidence in the quality and reliability of the data they can provide.
As more inspection companies adopt these technologies, their role within maritime inspections is likely to continue expanding.
Supporting digital asset management
Today’s inspection drones are part of a much broader trend towards digital inspection and asset management.
By combining visual inspection, ultrasonic testing, thermal imaging and 3D mapping, modern systems can generate comprehensive digital records that support condition monitoring over time.
These digital datasets allow inspection findings to be reviewed, compared and incorporated into wider maintenance strategies, helping asset owners make informed decisions about repairs and long-term integrity management.
As automation and artificial intelligence continue to evolve, inspection technologies are expected to become even more capable in the years ahead.
An industry trend worth following
The adoption of inspection drones reflects the wider direction of travel across the maritime industry, where digital technologies are increasingly supporting safer, more efficient inspection practices.
While traditional inspection methods and the expertise of qualified inspectors remain fundamental, innovations such as drone-assisted inspections demonstrate how technology can complement existing approaches and provide new ways of collecting valuable inspection data.
For those working across corrosion, coatings and asset integrity, it is another example of how inspection technology continues to evolve – and one that will be interesting to watch as adoption grows across the sector.
This blog highlights some of the key themes explored in the Protective Coatings Expert article, “Maritime Inspection Drones Are Taking Off”, written by Eloise McMinn Mitchell.
To learn more about the technology, including the Flyability Elios 3 platform, ultrasonic thickness measurement capabilities and industry case studies, we encourage you to read the full feature on Protective Coatings Expert.
