The container inspection company National Cargo Bureau (NCB) has launched a remote container inspection service based on the Hazcheck Inspections, a web container inspections database and access portal.
Developed with the company’s software division, Exis Technologies, an information technology (IT) solution provider for the management of dangerous goods in sea transport, the new service uses mobile devices to connect customers with NCB’s team of surveyors, so they can review and inspect container transport units remotely.
The information and media files that the customer captures remotely via the device are automatically uploaded to the mobile platform, according to NCB, and there are also two features to choose from, depending on the services requested: either workflow for remote container inspections or a live video option with a direct NCB surveyor.
“Container inspections need to be carried out in a timely manner and on a global scale, particularly in locations where dangerous goods expertise may not be available,” said Ian Lennard, president of NCB, and continued, “We are able to conduct remote inspections for customers throughout the supply chain, improving safety as well as helping with the overall efficiency of shipping containers.”
After receiving the request, the user can start to complete the workflow “without the need to install any app or content.” The recorded information and media files are then analysed by the surveyors to determine if the container transport unit is in compliance with applicable regulations and acceptable for ocean transport.
Captain Y.S. Hwang, dept head of operation at Evergreen and Chairman of CINS, stated that NCB recently carried out some remote inspections on Ever Pride vessel in Taiwan, following a fire caused by undeclared seed cake.
“The remote capability of the inspection process allowed us to investigate the cause of the fire immediately upon the vessel’s arrival after the box discharged ashore, with direct help from an experienced team of surveyors with dangerous goods expertise, rather than waiting for them to be available to travel to the port to carry out a survey in person,” he commented.
