UTM Inspection in a Ship’s Ballast Tank

During this inspection, Cspect was tasked with performing ultrasonic thickness measurements (UTM) inside a ballast tank on board a seagoing vessel. These tanks are notoriously difficult to acces due to confined spaces, significant internal height and obstructing structural elements such as beams, shell plating, and transverse frames. Traditional methods like scaffolding or rope access are often time-consuming, costly, and introduce unnecessary safety risks.

To overcome these challenges, Cspect deployed the ALTUM Telescopic Pole in combination with the Ultra Light UTM Module. This innovative solution allows for safe and accurate A-scan thickness measurements from outside the tank, eliminating the need for confined-space entry or elevated work platforms.

The video demonstrates the system in action: navigating narrow spaces inside the ballast tank, reaching complex geometries and delivering real-time A-scan feedback. Its compact design allows for single-operator use and works effectively on various surfaces, including painted, coated, or corroded steel.

This approach significantly reduced inspection time, while improving both safety and data quality. The system is class-approved, operates at heights up to 20 meters, and delivers results up to five times faster than drone-based UT methods, all without being subject to drone-related restrictions. The ALTUM system is available for rental, making it a cost-effective and flexible solution for asset owners, contractors or classification societies seeking reliable UTM in hard-to-reach areas.