$2 Million Saved Using Elios 2 for Oil Tanker Cargo Inspection

# $2 Million Saved Using Elios 2 for Oil Tanker Cargo Inspection ## Introduction In March 2020, the cost of hiring an oil tanker skyrocketed from around $25,000 per day to over $200,000 per day. This dramatic increase was driven by both a shortage of available tankers and a massive demand, as speculators sought to capitalize on rock-bottom oil prices caused by the global pandemic. At the time, oil prices had plummeted, prompting speculators to stockpile as much oil as possible, storing it on tankers until prices rebounded. This created a lucrative opportunity for tanker operators, with even small investments in oil storage potentially netting millions in profit. For instance, purchasing a million barrels of oil at $20 per barrel and selling it later at $30 could yield a profit of $10 million, minus storage costs. Given this potential, tankers became highly sought after, driving rental prices sky-high. For tanker managers, missing out on such a profitable window could mean losing tens of millions of dollars in potential revenue. ## Customer Needs One oil tanker management company found itself in a critical situation during this peak-demand period. They discovered a defect in one of their crude oil tanks, prompting concerns about possible cracks or structural issues. To prevent any environmental hazards or costly repairs, they needed to thoroughly inspect the affected area and assess whether further damage existed elsewhere in the vessel. Standing on scaffolding to manually inspect the interior of the cargo tanks posed significant risks, including falls from heights and exposure to hazardous materials. Additionally, scaffolding setup alone could take up to eight days, during which time the tanker would sit idle, losing valuable income at a rate of $200,000 per day. With millions on the line, the management team urgently needed a solution that could quickly and safely inspect the vessel without disrupting operations. ## Solution Seeking a safer and faster alternative, the company engaged Marine Inspection Services Ltd, a U.K.-based inspection service provider, to assess the situation. Instead of traditional scaffolding methods, Marine Inspection Services turned to the Elios 2, a collision-tolerant drone designed for confined-space inspections. This decision promised to reduce risk, accelerate the inspection process, and minimize downtime. The Elios 2's unique features made it ideal for this task. Its directional lighting provided clear visibility of cracks and defects, while its "distance lock" function allowed operators to maintain precise control over the drone’s position, ensuring thorough inspections. Unlike manual scaffolding setups, the Elios 2 eliminated the need for risky human access to hard-to-reach areas and reduced inspection time significantly. ## Results The Elios 2 proved invaluable in identifying not only the initial crack but also two additional minor cracks forming nearby. These early discoveries prevented potential future failures that could have led to costly repairs and prolonged downtime. The drone’s high-quality visuals enabled inspectors to accurately document the damage, providing critical insights for decision-making. Simon Ruddick, Director at Marine Inspection Services Ltd, noted: “The Elios 2’s directional lighting and distance-lock capabilities were instrumental in determining the extent of the damage. It’s like having an inspector on-site with a flashlight, offering depth and detail to every inspection.” By completing the entire inspection in just two days, the Elios 2 saved the client approximately $2 million in lost revenue. Setting up scaffolding would have taken eight days, costing roughly $400,000 in setup fees and $1.6 million in missed operational income. The Elios 2’s efficiency and safety thus delivered a substantial return on investment. ## Conclusion This mission underscored the Elios 2’s pivotal role in modern inspections, especially under tight deadlines and high-stakes conditions. For Marine Inspection Services Ltd, the drone has evolved from a supplementary tool to an indispensable asset in their arsenal. As Ruddick emphasized, “This mission is yet another testament to how essential the Elios 2 is in helping our clients assess damage and make informed operational decisions.” The success of this inspection highlights the growing importance of innovative technologies in maritime operations. By reducing risk, saving time, and minimizing costs, drones like the Elios 2 are reshaping how businesses approach complex inspections. For tanker managers navigating challenging markets, tools like these could mean the difference between profitability and financial strain.

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