UTM Inspection in a Ship’s Ballast Tank

During this inspection, Cspect was tasked with performing ultrasonic thickness measurements (UTM) inside a ballast tank on board a seagoing vessel. These tanks are notoriously difficult to acces due to confined spaces, internal height and the presence of structural elements like beams, shell plating and transverse frames. Traditional methods such as scaffolding or rope access are time-consuming, expensive, and often introduce unnecessary risk.

To address these challenges, Cspect deployed the ALTUM Telescopic Pole in combination with the Ultra Light UTM Module. This innovative setup allows for safe and accurate A-scan thickness measurements from outside the tank entry, eliminating the need for confined-space entry or aerial support.

In the video, you can see the system in action: navigating tight spaces inside the ballast tank, reaching complex geometries, and providing real-time A-scan feedback. The compact design enables one-person operation and handles a variety of surfaces — including painted, coated, or corroded steel.

This approach reduced inspection time significantly, while increasing safety and data quality. The system is class approved, operates up to 20 meters high, and delivers results up to five times faster than drone-based UT methods — all without being subject to drone-related flight restrictions. The ALTUM system is available for rental, making it an ideal solution for asset owners, contractors or classification societies seeking reliable UTM in difficult-to-reach areas.