Dutch non-destructive testing specialist Ned Marine has expanded its inspection portfolio with the launch of drone and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) inspection services designed for non-destructive testing applications across maritime, offshore and industrial sectors.
The new service combines aerial drone inspections and subsea ROV capabilities to support faster, safer and more efficient inspection operations for vessels, offshore installations and industrial assets, both above and below water, including confined spaces.
With the introduction of remote inspection technologies, Ned Marine is strengthening its position as a full-service inspection provider by integrating drone- and ROV-based inspections with traditional NDT techniques. The company currently conducts vessel inspections globally, while the new offering is focused on supporting Dutch and wider European customers.
The drone-based inspection service enables visual inspections and ultrasonic thickness measurements (UTM) in areas that are difficult to access using conventional methods such as scaffolding, rope access or diving operations. Applications include ballast tanks and cargo holds on vessels, offshore and onshore wind turbines, tank storage facilities, and industrial structures.
By reducing the need for extensive access equipment and limiting human exposure to hazardous environments, the inspections can reportedly be completed within hours instead of days. The company stated that inspection durations can be reduced by up to four times while also lowering overall operational costs compared to traditional inspection approaches.
In addition to aerial inspection capabilities, Ned Marine has introduced subsea NDT inspections using ROV systems capable of operating at depths of up to 300 metres. The ROV technology is intended to provide an alternative to conventional diving operations while delivering high-definition live video streams and detailed inspection data.
The subsea inspection services will support hull inspections, cathodic protection assessments, structural condition monitoring and pre-docking surveys.
“We are very proud to launch this new service!”, said Leo Zwagemaker. “By integrating arial drone and ROV technology into our NDT services, we can allow our clients to further reduce downtime and make better-informed maintenance decisions. The fact that our inspectors can now also work remotely, with real-time data accessible worldwide, also adds value: this method improves decision-making and facilitates a more seamless collaboration between vessel operators, surveyors and technical teams.”
The newly launched drone and ROV inspection services are fully integrated into Ned Marine’s broader NDT offering, which includes Visual Testing (VT), Ultrasonic Thickness Measurements (UTM), and detailed inspection reporting. By combining visual inspection data, measurement results and digital analysis, the company aims to provide clients with a more comprehensive understanding of asset condition to support maintenance planning and reduce the risk of unexpected failures.
