Ports and maritime infrastructure are critical to global commerce, yet the underwater structures that support them require frequent inspection and maintenance. Traditionally, these inspections are conducted by professional divers, but this work comes with significant risks. From strong underwater currents to equipment malfunctions, divers face a variety of hazards when inspecting infrastructure at ports. With the advent of marine drones, equipped with Premergy’s advanced battery management technology, the maritime industry can now reduce these dangers while improving the efficiency and accuracy of port inspections.

The Risks Divers Face in Port Inspections

Diver-based infrastructure inspections are inherently dangerous, with some of the primary risks including:

Strong Currents and Tides: Divers often work in challenging conditions where strong currents can make it difficult to navigate and maintain position. Port areas, in particular, tend to have unpredictable tides and currents due to ship movements and underwater infrastructure, making it hazardous for divers.

Poor Visibility and Debris: In many port environments, water visibility is low due to sediment or pollution. This not only makes it difficult for divers to see potential damage to the structures but also increases the risk of accidents. Additionally, divers may encounter debris or hazardous materials submerged underwater, which poses physical risks.

Equipment Failures: Divers rely on their equipment—such as oxygen tanks, communication systems, and pressure gauges—to stay safe. If any of these systems malfunction while underwater, it can lead to life-threatening situations, especially in deep or confined spaces.

Dangerous Marine Life: In certain ports, divers may also face the risk of encounters with marine life, including stingrays, jellyfish, or even sharks. While such interactions are rare, they are an additional risk that divers must be prepared for.

Given these risks, there is a growing need for safer alternatives to traditional port inspections. Enter marine drones, which offer a solution that keeps humans out of harm’s way while still providing the detailed inspections needed to maintain port infrastructure.

Marine Drones: A Safer Alternative

Marine drones, or underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), are becoming an increasingly popular alternative for inspecting port infrastructure. These drones are equipped with high-definition cameras and sensors that allow for thorough visual inspections of underwater structures, including piers, bridges, and seawalls. By using drones instead of divers, the maritime industry can mitigate the risks associated with manual inspections and significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents.

However, one of the key limitations of marine drones is their reliance on battery power. Without sufficient energy management, these drones are limited in the duration and range of their operations, requiring frequent returns to the surface to recharge. This is where Premergy’s advanced battery technology offers a critical solution.

Premergy’s Battery Technology for Marine Drones

Premergy’s battery management system enhances the performance of marine drones by addressing some of the key challenges related to battery life, charging time, and thermal management. These advancements are particularly important in marine environments, where operational efficiency and reliability are crucial for underwater inspections.

Extended Operational Range: Premergy’s battery technology allows marine drones to operate for longer periods, reducing the need for frequent resurfacing to recharge. This extended range is essential for comprehensive port inspections, which often require drones to cover vast areas of underwater infrastructure in a single deployment. With Premergy’s multi-chemistry battery systems, drones can switch between battery banks to optimize energy use and extend their operational time.

Rapid Recharging: One of the key benefits of Premergy’s battery system is its rapid recharging capability. This allows marine drones to quickly return to operation after a short recharge period, minimizing downtime and increasing overall inspection efficiency. In a port environment, where time is of the essence, having drones that can rapidly recharge means inspections can be completed faster, reducing disruptions to port operations.

Thermal Management for Safe Operations: Underwater environments can be challenging for batteries due to the varying temperatures and pressures. Premergy’s advanced thermal management system ensures that the drone’s batteries remain within optimal temperature ranges, even during long or intense missions. This not only improves the safety and reliability of the drones but also extends the lifespan of the battery systems, reducing maintenance costs over time.

Published by: Nelly Chavez