Marine Thermal Imaging
Infrared (IR) thermography is highly useful on vessels because it is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that quickly and accurately detects potential issues before they become critical. By measuring surface temperature variations, IR thermography can identify problems such as electrical hotspots, mechanical wear, and insulation failures that are not visible to the naked eye. It supports compliance with safety regulations and enhances the vessel's maintenance strategy by offering a comprehensive, real-time assessment. This proactive approach to maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs, ensuring the vessel remains operational and safe.
SOLAS Regulation
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Hot surfaces in the engine room, such as boilers and exhaust manifolds, are a major fire safety concern. If fuel or oil splashes or leaks onto these surfaces, they could spontaneously ignite. SOLAS regulations state that any surface above 220 degrees Celsius should be appropriately insulated (SOLAS Ch II-2 Reg 4 - 2.2.6).​
Missing or Defective Insulation.
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High-temperature surfaces, such as exhaust gas pipes and turbochargers, must be adequately insulated. They can deteriorate over time or not be correctly installed after removal for servicing. Not only does this create a potential fire hazard due to oils coming into contact with hot surfaces, but the danger of the vessel's crew coming into direct contact with these surfaces is also a serious safety concern.
Energy Consumption
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As temperatures within machinery spaces rise, mechanical forced ventilation and air conditioning often increase to maintain a comfortable and safe environment. However, one effective strategy to enhance energy efficiency is the proper insulation of pipework.
By ensuring that pipes are well-insulated, heat loss or gain can be minimised, substantially reducing the energy required for cooling or heating these critical spaces. This helps maintain optimal operating conditions and contributes to overall energy conservation efforts.
Downtime
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Unlike an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which often requires the vessel to be laid up (typically during a 5-year class survey), infrared thermography is a non-destructive testing method (NDT) that can be conducted on a live operating system. Ideally, electrical components should be operating at a minimum load of 40% or more during the inspection. A vessel under 40 meters in length can typically be inspected within one day.
Mechanical Machinery
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Due to the variation in the application of mechanical equipment onboard vessels, it is often difficult to find accurate data to help build a vessel-specific preventive maintenance plan.
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Using infrared thermography as part of a PPM system is an ideal way to customise it. This ensures that effective maintenance is carried out when required and reduces over-servicing and associated costs.
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IR thermography is a non-destructive testing method, so pumps, gearboxes, seals, and bearings can easily be monitored in situ while under load.
Electrical Equipment
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IR thermography is a safe and efficient method of inspecting
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Overloaded wiring systems
Circuit breakers and fuse holders
Buss bars
Electric motors and controls
Contactors and switchgear
PLC components and terminals
Internal cable damage
Inductive coupling on conductors
Load imbalances
New Builds, Refits and Repairs​
​We offer a professional third-party service for management companies and shipyards. Our services include new build commissioning, repairs and refits, as well as condition and warranty surveys.
Insight Thermal Imaging guarantee
Your qualified thermography surveyor will have specific industry experience covering the maintenance and repair of associated equipment.
As a minimum, your surveyor will have gained the following experience and relevant qualifications.
Marine
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ITC Certified Thermographer
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Seagoing experience as Chief Engineer whilst holding MCA III/2 COC
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Electrically qualified Level 3 City & Guilds
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Diploma in marine surveying - Lloyds Maritime Academy