ABS Tests Artificial Intelligence for Corrosion Detection

ABS, Google Cloud and SoftServe completed a pilot project applying artificial intelligence (AI) models to detect levels of corrosion and coating breakdown on ships and offshore structures.

The project successfully demonstrated the accuracy of AI in detecting and assessing structural anomalies commonly found during visual inspection. AI techniques could be further used to analyze images over time to understand corrosion and coating breakdown trends.

“Digital innovation in AI will change how surveys and maintenance strategies are executed, driving more condition-based approaches to class and maintenance,” said ABS Chairman, President and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki. “We are building a future in which digital tools can remotely assess the condition of a ship or offshore unit, and automatically detect and measure coating breakdown and other structural issues, improving safety and reliability.”

"We are excited to team with Google Cloud and SoftServe to effectively apply AI technology to the marine and offshore industries," said ABS Deputy Chief Digital Officer, Kashif Mahmood. “By combining our deep domain experience in offshore and marine structures with Google Cloud’s extensive knowledge of AI applications and SoftServe’s development capabilities, we were able to take this idea from concept to reality.”