# $2 Million Saved Using Elios 2 for Oil Tanker Cargo Inspection
In March 2020, the oil tanker rental market experienced a dramatic surge, with rates skyrocketing from around $25,000 USD per day to over $200,000 USD per day. This unprecedented spike was driven by a rare combination of factors: a global shortage of oil tankers coinciding with an enormous demand for storage due to rock-bottom oil prices.
The low oil prices were largely attributed to the unexpected impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With oil prices plummeting, speculators seized the opportunity to buy up vast quantities of oil, storing it on tankers until prices recovered. This strategy offered lucrative returns—if you purchased a million barrels of oil at $20 a barrel and prices rose to $30, you'd net a cool $10 million profit, minus storage costs.
However, storing oil on tankers created a massive demand for shipping capacity. As a result, oil tanker operators faced immense pressure to keep their vessels operational and earning. Any downtime for maintenance or repairs could lead to significant financial losses, especially during such a peak period.
## Customer Challenges
One oil tanker manager faced a critical situation when a defect was discovered in one of their crude oil cargo tanks. To prevent potential environmental hazards and ensure safety, the shipping company needed to thoroughly inspect the affected area and adjacent regions for any cracks or structural issues.
Manual inspections typically involve erecting scaffolding, which poses risks to human inspectors and adds considerable time and expense to the process. At the prevailing tanker rental rates, every day out of service translated into substantial revenue loss. The stakes were particularly high given the current market conditions.
## Innovative Solution
To address these challenges, the management company turned to Marine Inspection Services Ltd, a UK-based inspection firm renowned for its expertise. They chose to deploy the Elios 2, a collision-tolerant drone designed specifically for confined space inspections. Unlike traditional methods, the Elios 2 eliminated the need for scaffolding, reducing both risk and time significantly.
The Elios 2's advanced features, including directional lighting and distance lock, proved invaluable during the inspection. These capabilities allowed inspectors to gather precise visual data, identifying not only the initial crack but also two additional developing cracks elsewhere in the tank. This proactive detection prevented potential catastrophic failures and costly repairs.
## Breakthrough Results
The entire inspection process took just two days using the Elios 2, compared to the estimated ten days required for a manual inspection involving scaffolding. More importantly, the timely identification of defects avoided the need for dry docking, saving the client approximately $2 million in lost revenue.
Simon Ruddick, Director at Marine Inspection Services Ltd, emphasized the transformative role of the Elios 2 in their operations. "Flyability’s indoor drone technology has become indispensable for us. It allows us to conduct inspections safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively, ensuring our clients make informed decisions without compromising safety."
This mission underscored the Elios 2’s reliability and efficiency, reinforcing its position as a game-changing tool in maritime inspections. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the team successfully navigated a complex scenario, securing significant savings and maintaining operational continuity for their client.
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**Final Thoughts:**
The deployment of the Elios 2 during this critical period exemplifies how innovation can mitigate risks and enhance outcomes. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, tools like the Elios 2 will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping safer and more efficient practices.
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