Revolutionizing Freighter Inspections with Drone Technology: How 19th UAS Precision Enhances Maritime Safety and Efficiency

In today’s maritime industry, ship inspections are a critical part of ensuring safety, compliance, and operational reliability. Traditionally, these inspections require significant manpower, downtime, and risk—especially during close-up surveys of freighters operating across the Great Lakes and inland waterways.

But times are changing. With advancements in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), companies like 19th UAS Precision are redefining how ship inspections are performed. Using their fleet of high-performance drones, 19th UAS offers Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) that eliminate the need for scaffolding, rope access, or dry docking—saving both time and money while improving safety outcomes.

Freighter Inspections with Drone Technology

The Need for Remote Ship Inspections

Freighters, tankers, and bulk carriers all face regular inspection requirements from classification societies and maritime authorities. These inspections often involve hard-to-reach areas such as:

• Cargo holds and ballast tanks

• Hull structures and deck plating

• Superstructure and bridge components

• Cargo handling equipment and cranes

Traditionally, these inspections involve sending personnel into confined or elevated spaces, creating potential safety hazards and requiring downtime. Remote drone inspections solve these challenges by providing high-resolution visual data and real-time analysis from a safe distance.

How 19th UAS Precision Performs Remote Freighter Inspections

Leveraging a versatile fleet of industrial-grade drones, 19th UAS Precision offers comprehensive digital inspection services specifically tailored for maritime environments.

Their drone fleet includes units equipped with:

• 4K & thermal imaging cameras for hull integrity checks

• 360° obstacle-avoidance systems for confined spaces like cargo holds

• AI-assisted image processing for corrosion and crack detection

• GPS-denied flight capability for indoor or steel-enclosed inspections

Each inspection mission is designed to capture detailed visuals of the vessel’s condition—providing shipowners, surveyors, and maintenance teams with actionable insights faster than traditional methods.

Benefits of Drone-Based Maritime Inspections

Partnering with 19th UAS Precision for remote freighter inspections brings measurable benefits:

✅ Reduced Downtime – Complete surveys without halting operations or drydocking.✅ Enhanced Safety – No need for human entry into confined or elevated spaces.✅ Comprehensive Data – High-resolution imagery and 3D modeling capabilities.✅ Regulatory Compliance – Support for ABS, DNV, and USCG inspection requirements.✅ Cost Efficiency – Minimize scaffolding, labor, and travel expenses.

Serving the Great Lakes and Beyond

Operating out of the Midwest, 19th UAS Precision specializes in serving shipping companies throughout the Great Lakes region—including ports in Toledo, Cleveland, Detroit, and Duluth. Their pilots are FAA Part 107 certified and trained to operate in complex maritime environments, ensuring both precision and compliance.

Whether you manage a fleet of bulk carriers or operate specialized vessels, 19th UAS offers flexible inspection programs that can be tailored to your operational schedule and safety protocols.

Future-Ready Ship Inspections with 19th UAS Precision

As the maritime industry moves toward digitization and sustainability, drone inspections are becoming the standard for ship maintenance and compliance. 19th UAS Precision stands at the forefront of this transformation—combining technology, expertise, and efficiency to deliver remote inspection solutions that keep ships sailing safely.

If your organization operates freighters or maritime assets within the Great Lakes, now is the time to explore how 19th UAS can streamline your inspection process.

Get Started with a Remote Inspection Today

Ready to see the difference drone inspections can make? Contact 19th UAS Precision today to schedule a consultation or request a demo of our Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) for maritime applications.