Marine Technical Consultants Project
Independent marine technical consultancy project involving ultrasonic thickness measurement of a 45,650 DWT bulk carrier built in 2020 during attendance at Batangas Port, Philippines.
Project Overview
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services carried out an independent marine technical inspection assignment involving ultrasonic thickness measurement of a bulk carrier at Batangas Port, Philippines.
The project involved a 45,650 DWT bulk carrier built in 2020. The technical assignment focused on obtaining ultrasonic thickness measurements from accessible structural areas and establishing objective measurement information for technical assessment and reporting.
Project Profile
| Project Type | Marine Technical Consultants Project |
| Vessel Type | Bulk Carrier |
| Deadweight | 45,650 DWT |
| Year Built | 2020 |
| Project Location | Batangas Port, Philippines |
| Technical Service | Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement |
| Technical Discipline | Marine Technical Consultancy and Vessel Condition Assessment |
| Assessment Approach | Independent technical inspection, ultrasonic measurement and structured reporting |
Technical Challenge
Structural condition assessment requires reliable measurement information from the vessel's accessible structural areas. Ultrasonic thickness measurement provides quantitative information that can assist in evaluating the remaining thickness of steel structures and identifying areas requiring further technical attention.
For a bulk carrier, the technical assessment can involve structural areas exposed to operational loading, cargo service, environmental conditions, corrosion and coating deterioration. The measurement process therefore requires suitable preparation, correct identification of measurement locations and accurate recording of the results.
The project required an organized technical approach so that measurements could be associated with the appropriate structural locations and incorporated into a clear technical record.
Technical Scope
The project scope was focused on ultrasonic thickness measurement and associated technical inspection activities applicable to the agreed vessel areas.
Vessel Structural Assessment
Review and measurement of accessible structural areas identified within the agreed inspection scope.
Ultrasonic Measurement
Ultrasonic thickness measurements were obtained at designated structural measurement locations using appropriate measurement equipment.
Measurement Recording
Measurement results were recorded and associated with the relevant structural locations for subsequent technical review.
Visual Technical Assessment
Where accessible, visual observations were considered together with the measurement activity to provide supporting technical information.
Technical Documentation
Available vessel information and relevant technical documentation were considered where applicable to the agreed assignment.
Technical Reporting
Findings and measurement information were organized into a structured technical record for the intended client and project purpose.
Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement
Ultrasonic thickness measurement is a non-destructive measurement technique used to determine the thickness of metallic structures without requiring destructive removal of the material.
Within a vessel technical inspection, the measurements provide objective numerical information that can be compared with available construction information, previous measurement records, applicable technical requirements and other relevant assessment criteria.
Measurement Preparation
The measurement locations are identified according to the agreed inspection scope. Surface condition, accessibility and measurement suitability are considered before measurements are taken.
Ultrasonic Readings
Ultrasonic readings are obtained at the designated measurement points and recorded against the relevant structural location.
Location Identification
Measurement information is organized so that the recorded values can be associated with the applicable structural member or vessel location.
Technical Review
Measurement information can be reviewed in conjunction with available vessel records, previous measurements, structural information and applicable technical criteria.
Typical Structural Measurement Areas
Depending on the agreed scope, ultrasonic thickness measurement on a bulk carrier may cover selected structural members and areas requiring technical assessment. The actual measurement locations are determined by the assignment scope, vessel condition, accessibility and applicable technical requirements.
Hull Structure
- Shell plating
- Selected side shell areas
- Bottom and related structural areas
- Accessible structural members
Cargo Hold Structure
- Cargo hold structural members
- Selected bulkhead areas
- Internal structural components
- Accessible plating and stiffening arrangements
Deck Structure
- Accessible deck plating
- Selected deck structural areas
- Structural members within the agreed scope
- Areas requiring thickness verification
Other Accessible Areas
- Selected machinery-space structural areas
- Selected accommodation or exposed structural areas
- Areas identified for additional technical review
- Locations defined by the agreed inspection scope
Marine Technical Consultancy Methodology
PAMS approaches technical inspection projects through a structured process designed to establish objective technical information and maintain traceability between observations, measurements and the final report.
Scope Review
Review of the vessel information, inspection objective, requested measurement scope and available technical documentation.
Inspection Preparation
Identification of accessible measurement areas, inspection requirements and practical arrangements for vessel attendance.
Measurement & Assessment
Ultrasonic thickness measurements and relevant visual technical observations are performed within the agreed scope.
Technical Reporting
Measurement information and observations are organized into a structured technical report supporting the intended technical decision-making process.
Typical Technical Considerations
Ultrasonic thickness measurements are interpreted within the wider technical context of the vessel. A measurement result should not be considered independently from the structural location, original construction information, previous measurement records, corrosion condition and applicable technical requirements.
Steel Thickness
Technical Consideration: Recorded measurements provide objective information on the current thickness of the examined structural locations.
Corrosion Condition
Technical Consideration: Surface condition and visible corrosion characteristics can provide supporting information when reviewing thickness measurement results.
Structural Location
Technical Consideration: Each measurement should be correctly associated with the applicable structural member and vessel location to maintain technical traceability.
Previous Measurements
Technical Consideration: Where historical data is available, comparison with previous measurements can support evaluation of thickness trends and potential deterioration.
Original Construction Data
Technical Consideration: Available original thickness information can provide useful reference data for subsequent technical evaluation.
Technical Acceptance Criteria
Technical Consideration: Assessment of measured thickness depends on applicable classification, statutory, structural and project requirements and the agreed scope of the assignment.
Technical Documentation & Reporting
A reliable thickness measurement project requires more than individual numerical readings. The technical information must be organized so that the results can be understood, reviewed and traced to the corresponding vessel locations.
Measurement Records
- Measurement location identification
- Recorded ultrasonic thickness values
- Relevant structural reference information
- Inspection observations where applicable
Technical Assessment
- Review of available vessel information
- Consideration of structural condition
- Comparison with available historical information
- Identification of areas requiring further review
Technical Outcome
The project provided an independent technical record of ultrasonic thickness measurements obtained from the agreed vessel areas during attendance at Batangas Port.
Project Deliverables & Technical Value
- Objective ultrasonic thickness measurement information for the agreed inspection locations.
- Structured recording of measurement results and associated technical observations.
- Technical information supporting vessel condition assessment and further engineering review where required.
- Independent technical reporting based on the physical inspection and information available within the agreed project scope.
- Practical technical information that can support maintenance planning, condition monitoring and subsequent technical decision-making.
Strictly Independent Technical Consultancy
PAMS Technical Independence
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services is an independent Philippine marine technical consultancy providing marine surveying, technical inspection, marine engineering and maritime compliance consultancy.
The purpose of an independent technical assignment is to provide objective observations, measurements, technical evidence and professional reporting within the agreed scope.
PAMS does not operate as a ship agency and does not provide ship agency, husbandry, bunker-call, crewing, recruitment or staffing services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the vessel involved in this technical project?
The project involved a 45,650 DWT bulk carrier built in 2020 and attended at Batangas Port, Philippines.
What technical service was performed?
The project involved ultrasonic thickness measurement as part of an independent marine technical inspection and vessel condition assessment.
Where was the ultrasonic thickness measurement performed?
The technical assignment was carried out at Batangas Port, Philippines, within the agreed vessel inspection scope.
Why is ultrasonic thickness measurement important?
Ultrasonic thickness measurement provides quantitative information about the thickness of accessible metallic structures and can support vessel condition assessment, maintenance planning and further structural review.
Does ultrasonic thickness measurement replace a classification survey?
No. Ultrasonic thickness measurement does not by itself replace classification surveys, statutory inspections or other examinations required by the applicable authority or classification organization.
Can PAMS provide marine technical consultancy for bulk carriers?
Yes. PAMS provides independent marine technical consultancy, surveying, inspection, engineering assessment and technical reporting for commercial vessels including bulk carriers, subject to the agreed scope and project requirements.
Does PAMS provide independent technical reporting?
Yes. PAMS provides structured technical reporting based on physical observations, measurements, available documentation and the requirements applicable to the agreed assignment.
Does PAMS operate as a ship agency?
No. PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services is a strictly independent marine technical consultancy and does not provide ship agency, husbandry, bunker-call, crewing, recruitment or staffing services.
About the Technical Author
Need Independent Marine Technical Consultancy?
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent marine technical consultancy, vessel inspection, marine engineering assessment and technical reporting for commercial vessels and offshore assets. Contact PAMS to discuss your vessel, technical requirement, inspection objective or project scope.