Sky-Futures gained ABS certification: world’s first drone specialist for vessel inspections

Sky-Futures USA Inc. has been certified as the world’s first approved drone specialist for internal vessel inspections by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). ABS surveyors have now certified drone data as an additional, valuable inspection tool to make critical decisions affecting classification and statutory surveys.

Sky-Futures was awarded the ‘External Specialist Rating’ by ABS following a series of in-depth assessments, including an in-office audit of all safety and inspection procedures and a two-day survey demonstration on a bulk carrier. Inspections were conducted in the cargo hold and in the intricate geometry of the Fore Peak Tank and Lower Stool Space of a Bulk Carrier.

This successful demonstration and certification by ABS reinforce the effectiveness of Sky-Futures drone-based Confined Space Inspection service. Sky-Futures now offers the Marine and Offshore industries an accredited service and the capacity to fully exploit the use of drones and drone-based data analysis to improve safety and reduce risk on client facilities. Sky-Futures supplies all reports through their proprietary software, Expanse, which revolutionises the way drone-based data for industrial inspections is analysed, viewed and managed.

About ABS Certification

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is a world-leading classification organisation, with a mission to promote the security of life, property and the natural environment, primarily through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities. ABS provides a range of technical advisory, certification and risk management services to support the safety and reliability of high-performance assets and operations in the oil, gas and chemical, power generation, marine, offshore and government sectors, among others.

For more information visit the ABS website