Bureau Veritas brings together industry leaders at Posidonia to explore the future of maritime digitalization

The session, “HowBureau Veritas’ Digital Solutions Reduce Risk, Lower Cost & Enhance Asset Value”, brought together a diverse collection of industry stakeholders to explore how digitalization is reshaping risk management, enhancing interconnectivity and operational performance, while supporting asset values across shipping.

Held during Posidonia week in Athens, the session commenced with a presentation on BV’s Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) initiative. Led by Remote Inspection Techniques Project Manager, Sumit Paul, the session explored how BV’s field-based methodology utilizes specially trained surveyors to deploy drone and UAV technology whilst onboard to inspect confined spaces such as ballast tanks and cargo holds, reducing confined-space entry risk by 60 to 70%, using a single qualified surveyor and a single-deck companion. Sumit also highlighted the significant commercial value for shipowners that extends beyond straightforward cost reduction.

The presentation was followed by an introduction to BV’s innovative Augmented Surveyor 3D (AGS 3D) drone technology, which represents a new era in sophisticated survey operations, combining BV’s classification expertise with advanced inspection and data-management technologies to deliver a new generation of asset integrity management.

Attendees were then provided with a presentation by Hugo Renevey, Commercial Lead – SmartShips, on the future of smart shipping within the global fleet. Hugo explained how SmartShips aren’t simply a collection of innovative digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, or machine learning, but a strategically configured ecosystem of interconnected solutions that transforms captured data into actionable insights that guide decision-making to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental performance. Hugo acknowledged the challenge that the industry faces due to the pace and sophistication of technological development and showcased how BV has responded to this challenge through the development of its SMART notation frameworks, designed to provide trust, assurance, and value that will support shipowners in advancing their digital strategies. 

The seminar then closed with an engaging panel discussion, which focused on the role that class will play in supporting the maritime industry as it enters a new age of technological sophistication. Moderated by BV’s M&O Sales & Marketing Vice-President, Steven Grotsky, the panel consisted of prominent leaders within Greek shipping, including Tsoulakos Nikolaos, Innovation & Technology Manager, Laskaridis, and Panos Theodossopoulos, CEO, METIS; alongside the Head of Marine & Power, Digital & Academies at Everllence, Stig Holm, and BV’s own Hugo Renevey.

During the panel, Tsoulakos highlighted the additional visibility of engine performance, equipment conditions, fuel consumption and emissions gained through the digitalization of the Laskaridis fleet, as well as the assurance delivered by BV’s digital notations.

Panos commented on the role of digitalization in building trust and the strength of the value proposition that comes from a technology stack that combines all data in a single model. In his closing remarks, Stig Holm commented on the role of digitalization in drawing a strong link between engine reliability and sustainability, as well as the value of collaboration with BV when it comes to instilling integrity, compliance and confidence in all aspects of their client’s requirements.

The event concluded with a live demonstration of BV’s drones being deployed as part of their growing fleet and network of RIT survey centers, which has expanded following the launch of a new Greek center based in Athens.