UTM Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM) services for ships, offshore assets and marine structures, supporting structural condition assessment, corrosion monitoring, classification surveys, inspection requirements and technical repair planning.
Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement Services
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM) services for vessels, marine structures and offshore assets requiring accurate assessment of material thickness and structural condition.
Ultrasonic thickness measurement is an established non-destructive testing method used to determine the remaining thickness of steel and other suitable materials without requiring destructive removal of the inspected structure.
UTM measurements can support structural condition assessment, corrosion monitoring, classification surveys, statutory inspections, dry-docking, repair planning, vessel transactions and other technical marine inspection requirements.
UTM Certification & Classification Recognition
PAMS ultrasonic thickness measurement activities are supported by certification applicable to major international classification societies.
ABS
Certified for ultrasonic thickness measurement services applicable to American Bureau of Shipping requirements and associated marine structural inspection activities.
DNV
Certified for ultrasonic thickness measurement services applicable to DNV classification and structural inspection requirements.
Lloyd's Register
Certified for ultrasonic thickness measurement services applicable to Lloyd's Register requirements for marine structural condition assessment.
Bureau Veritas
Certified for ultrasonic thickness measurement services applicable to Bureau Veritas classification and inspection requirements.
UTM Technical Services
Ultrasonic thickness measurement can be undertaken as part of a planned marine inspection programme or as a specific technical assignment addressing structural condition, corrosion or deterioration.
Hull Thickness Measurement
Ultrasonic measurement of accessible hull structures to establish existing material thickness and identify areas requiring further technical evaluation.
Structural Thickness Assessment
Thickness measurements of structural members and marine components to support assessment of remaining material thickness and structural condition.
Corrosion Monitoring
Measurement programmes supporting the monitoring of corrosion wastage and deterioration over the operational life of a vessel or marine structure.
Class & Survey Support
UTM support for classification surveys, statutory inspections, special surveys, renewal surveys and other applicable marine inspection requirements.
Areas Covered by Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement
Depending on vessel type, inspection scope and accessibility, ultrasonic thickness measurements may be carried out on a broad range of marine structural areas and components.
- Ship hull plating and shell plating
- Deck plating and exposed structural areas
- Bottom and side shell structures
- Transverse and longitudinal structural members
- Frames, floors, girders and stiffeners
- Bulkheads and associated structural members
- Tank structures and accessible tank boundaries
- Cargo hold structures and internal structural components
- Double-bottom and other accessible structural areas
- Accommodation and superstructure structural areas
- Ballast tank structural members and plating
- Other accessible marine structures requiring thickness verification
UTM Inspection & Measurement Process
A professional ultrasonic thickness measurement programme should be planned according to the vessel type, inspection scope, structural arrangement, classification requirements and areas identified for examination.
Inspection Planning
The measurement scope is established according to the vessel, structural areas, applicable survey requirements and the purpose of the inspection.
Ultrasonic Measurements
Thickness readings are obtained at designated measurement locations using suitable ultrasonic thickness measurement equipment and established inspection procedures.
Technical Evaluation
Recorded measurements can be assessed against applicable original thickness information, renewal criteria, classification requirements and observed structural condition.
Reporting
Measurement results are documented in a structured technical report suitable for the agreed inspection scope and applicable classification or regulatory requirements.
Stricter Oversight on Thickness Measurement Firms – MSC.553(108)
IMO Resolution MSC.553(108) strengthens the approval and certification framework for firms engaged in thickness measurement of hull structures under the 2011 ESP Code. The amendment entered into force on 1 January 2026 and places greater emphasis on the verification of the firm's organization, management and technical capability.
Following satisfactory document review, the Administration may audit the thickness measurement firm to verify that the firm is duly organized and managed in accordance with the submitted documentation and is capable of conducting thickness measurement of the hull structure of ships.
Firm Organization & Management
The firm's organization and management arrangements should be consistent with the documentation submitted for approval and demonstrate appropriate control of the thickness measurement operation.
Technical Capability
The firm should demonstrate the capability to conduct hull-structure thickness measurements using suitable personnel, equipment, procedures and technical controls.
Competent Personnel
Personnel involved in thickness measurement activities should possess the appropriate competence, qualifications and practical experience required for the assigned work.
Equipment & Calibration
Suitable thickness measurement equipment and appropriate calibration or verification arrangements are important elements of a controlled measurement operation.
Measurement Procedures
Controlled measurement procedures support consistent execution of UTM activities and help establish a repeatable and technically traceable measurement process.
Records & Technical Reporting
Measurement records and technical reports provide traceability of the work performed and support subsequent technical review, survey and certification activities.
Applications of UTM Services
Ultrasonic thickness measurement is used across a wide range of marine technical and inspection applications where knowledge of remaining material thickness is important.
- Classification and statutory survey preparation
- Special and renewal survey support
- Vessel structural condition assessment
- Corrosion and wastage monitoring
- Dry-docking inspection and repair planning
- Pre-purchase and technical due-diligence inspections
- Insurance and condition assessment requirements
- Damage and deterioration investigations
- Structural repair planning
- Vessel maintenance and technical management support
- Offshore and marine structural inspections
Independent UTM Technical Assessment
Reliable thickness measurement is an important component of marine structural condition assessment. Measurements need to be obtained systematically and documented clearly so that the results can be used by owners, operators, technical managers, surveyors, classification societies and other maritime stakeholders.
PAMS approaches UTM assignments according to the vessel's technical characteristics, the intended inspection scope and the applicable classification, statutory or contractual requirements.
Where required, measurement findings can be incorporated into a broader marine technical inspection or structural condition assessment, providing an independent technical basis for further evaluation and repair planning.
Why Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement Matters
Structural Condition
Thickness measurements provide objective technical data for evaluating the remaining material thickness of accessible marine structures.
Corrosion Identification
Systematic measurement can help identify areas affected by corrosion or material wastage requiring further investigation.
Survey Preparation
UTM results can support preparation for applicable classification and statutory surveys by providing documented thickness information.
Repair Planning
Reliable thickness information can assist technical teams in evaluating structural repairs, steel renewal and maintenance requirements.
Marine Thickness Measurement Requirements
The requirements for ultrasonic thickness measurement depend on vessel type, classification status, survey scope, structural arrangement and the applicable rules or regulatory requirements.
PAMS provides technical support for thickness measurement assignments where independent measurement data is required as part of classification, statutory, inspection, maintenance, condition assessment or technical due-diligence activities.
Particular attention may be required where changes in regulatory or classification expectations affect companies undertaking hull thickness measurements and related marine inspection activities. MSC.553(108) is an important development in this area, introducing strengthened Administration oversight of firms engaged in thickness measurement of hull structures.
UTM Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement Resources
Explore the PAMS Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement service, technical case study, project information and related technical article.
UTM Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement Services
Detailed information about independent PAMS ultrasonic thickness measurement services for ships, marine structures and offshore assets.
View UTM Services →UTM Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement Case Study
Technical case study covering UTM measurement, structural assessment, corrosion evaluation and reporting.
View Case Study →UTM Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement Project
Project information relating to ultrasonic thickness measurement and marine structural technical assessment.
View Project →Stricter Oversight on Thickness Measurement Firms
Technical article discussing IMO Resolution MSC.553(108), approval and certification procedures and strengthened Administration oversight of thickness measurement firms.
Read MSC.553(108) Article →UTM Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement FAQ
What is Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM)?
Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM) is a non-destructive testing method used to determine the thickness of steel and other suitable materials by transmitting ultrasonic waves through the material and measuring the returning signal.
What is UTM used for on ships?
UTM is used to establish the remaining thickness of hull plating, decks, frames, floors, girders, stiffeners, bulkheads, tanks and other accessible structural members. The results can support corrosion assessment, survey preparation, repair planning and structural condition evaluation.
When is ultrasonic thickness measurement required?
UTM may be required during classification and statutory surveys, special and renewal surveys, dry-docking, structural condition assessments, damage investigations, repair planning, pre-purchase inspections and other technical marine inspection activities.
What structures can be measured using UTM?
Depending on the inspection scope and accessibility, measurements may be performed on hull and shell plating, decks, bottom structures, side shell, frames, floors, girders, stiffeners, bulkheads, tanks, cargo holds, ballast tanks and other accessible marine structures.
What is MSC.553(108)?
IMO Resolution MSC.553(108) addresses the approval and certification procedures for firms engaged in thickness measurement of hull structures under the 2011 ESP Code. The amendment entered into force on 1 January 2026 and strengthens Administration oversight of such firms.
How does MSC.553(108) affect thickness measurement firms?
Following satisfactory document review, the Administration may audit the thickness measurement firm to verify that it is duly organized and managed in accordance with the submitted documentation and is capable of conducting thickness measurement of ship hull structures.
What does a thickness measurement firm need to demonstrate?
The firm's organization, management arrangements, personnel competence, equipment, calibration or verification controls, measurement procedures, technical capability, records and reporting arrangements may form part of the approval and audit framework applicable to the firm.
Are UTM measurements affected by surface condition?
Yes. Heavy corrosion, scale, marine growth, loose coating, surface irregularities and other conditions can affect ultrasonic coupling and measurement reliability. Suitable surface preparation or additional measurements may therefore be necessary.
Are UTM measurements affected by accessibility?
Yes. Restricted access, confined spaces, structural arrangements and unsafe locations can limit available measurement points. The measurement scope should therefore take accessibility and safe inspection conditions into consideration.
Can UTM results support classification surveys?
UTM results can provide documented thickness information that may support applicable classification and statutory survey activities. Acceptance of the measurements remains subject to the requirements and decisions of the applicable classification society or Administration.
Which classification societies are relevant to UTM services?
UTM requirements can arise under the rules and survey procedures of major classification societies including ABS, DNV, Lloyd's Register and Bureau Veritas, depending on the vessel and applicable survey requirements.
Can UTM results be used for repair planning?
Yes. Reliable thickness information can help identify areas affected by corrosion or wastage and provide technical data for further structural evaluation, steel renewal and repair planning.
Independent UTM Technical Consultancy
Independent Technical Assessment
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent marine surveying, marine engineering and technical consultancy support for UTM and related structural inspection assignments.
Marine Structural Inspection
UTM findings can be considered together with physical observations, structural condition, corrosion evidence and available technical documentation.
Classification & Survey Support
Thickness measurement information can support applicable classification, statutory and technical survey activities, subject to the requirements of the relevant society or Administration.
Technical Evidence
Measurement results and associated observations can provide documented technical evidence for structural assessment, maintenance decisions and repair planning.
Technical Content Review
Last Technical Review
September 2026
Review Frequency
Content is reviewed periodically to maintain alignment with applicable maritime regulatory requirements, classification developments and technical practices relating to marine thickness measurement.
Need Independent UTM Services?
Contact PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services to discuss Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement, marine structural inspection, corrosion assessment, classification survey support or related marine technical consultancy requirements.
Contact PAMS UTM Case Study UTM Project Marine Survey Services