In industrial non-destructive testing (NDT), there is a well-established rule: the accuracy of ultrasonic thickness measurement (UTM) data depends entirely on the cleanliness of the substrate being measured.
The newly upgraded Scout 137 Gen3 integrates a UTM thickness-measurement payload that combines surface preparation and ultrasonic measurement in a single continuous workflow — allowing multiple inspection tasks to be completed in a single flight.
End-to-end workflow: no payload swaps, no second positioning
With the dedicated integrated UTM payload, the drone moves away from a split-task workflow and operates as one continuous, controlled process. After approaching a steel bulkhead, the drone first cleans surface oils and contaminants at a fixed point. Without relocating or returning to base to swap tools, it then immediately performs ultrasonic thickness measurement at the cleaned spot before disengaging smoothly from the surface — all in one continuous run.
Because the cleaning point and the measurement point are exactly the same location, there is no positional drift from a second positioning step.
On-board couplant tank for high-density inspections
The UTM payload includes its own dedicated couplant tank. A single fill supports up to 100 effective thickness measurements, with no need to return for refilling. In field conditions, the drone can complete 10 full "surface cleaning + thickness measurement" cycles within two minutes — a step-change in inspection productivity.
Aligned with class-society rules and mainstream maritime inspection practice
This integrated inspection solution fully meets class-society requirements for compliant inspections in confined, GPS-denied environments. Maritime inspection is not about replacing all human work with drones, but about complementary tools and a clear division of labour.
The drone handles broad upfront screening and targeted thickness measurement, with human intervention retained only for specific points the drone cannot reach. This both aligns with existing maritime inspection standards and produces compliant, verifiable inspection data earlier in the process — shrinking the scope of high-risk manual work while balancing compliance, safety and efficiency.
One flight, two tasks. Compliant inspection, safer and more efficient. The integrated UTM payload on the Scout 137 Gen3 sets a new standard for non-destructive testing in confined spaces.
If you would like to learn more about how the ScoutDI drone system can be applied to confined-space inspections on ship cargo tanks, FPSOs, storage tanks and similar environments, please contact Tecway. Our team will be glad to provide further product information and technical support.
Contact
Mr. Pillar Liu
Email: pillar.liu@tecwayintl.com
About Tecway
Founded in Hong Kong in 1993, Tecway International Limited is a leading technical consultancy and high-quality agent in the global maritime industry. Drawing on more than three decades of accumulated expertise, the group operates across five core business areas: marine equipment, petrochemical storage and transportation, diesel and internal combustion engines, maritime technical services, and maritime consultancy services.
Tecway's maritime team focuses on green shipping and maritime consultancy services, addressing the decarbonisation needs of shipping companies through services that include EU ETS and FuelEU compliance consulting, shipping green hydrogen project support, export solutions for Chinese-made marine equipment, FGSS services and drone-based inspection solutions.
We are also committed to the diesel and internal combustion engine manufacturing sector, supplying products such as the Cylinder Liner Diameter Measurement device (CLDM) together with comprehensive technical support — from sales consulting and installation through commissioning, training and after-sales service — backed by a fast-response service network that is recognised for both expertise and reliability.