North-east 3D scanning firm awarded UK first approval for Remote Inspection Techniques

Aberdeen-based 3D scanning specialists, Viewport3, have become the first business in the UK to be approved for Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) using underwater photogrammetry by Lloyd’s Register (LR).

The certification was granted to Viewport3 following a successful offshore project along with an onshore validation trial, which involved using photogrammetry to verify mooring chain link critical dimensions to a sub-millimetric level – a level of accuracy and data density that far exceeds those attained by traditional approaches. As a result, the Viewport3 team have developed new reporting methods that better suit the high-resolution 3D replica of mooring links, that meet the requirements of both field operator and statutory inspection regulations.

During the same campaign, Viewport3 also deployed a modified version of their subsea capture system to measure anomalies on several fairlead assemblies. Due to the location of the anomalies, this scanning activity needed to take place between the back-plate of the fairlead and the mooring line itself. This was successfully achieved through collaboration with the ROV (Remote Offshore Vehicle) team and the offshore Viewport3 personnel, using the modified system to light-up and capture the extremely tight-access areas.

Co-founder and director of Viewport3, Chris Harvey, commented:

“It is a huge honour for a small company like Viewport3 to receive such a credible certification. Our team are absolutely delighted that our hard work over the last few years has been recognised, and that our photogrammetry processes has now been verified by such a highly regarded organisation. Our 3D scanning photogrammetry technology offers numerous benefits to our ever-growing client base. It allows us to capture precise, technical grade results which produce visually correct, and therefore reliable outputs. We look forward to building on this success, as we diversify our 3D scanning services across emerging sectors, as well as strengthening our position in the energy industry.”

In October Viewport3 will be exhibiting at the Renewables UK’s Floating Offshore Wind 2023 event held at P&J Live, Aberdeen and will be at stand L42.

Viewport3 specialise in providing 3D scanning and reverse engineering services - using digital cameras to obtain technical grade point-cloud data, which they process into 3D to produce straightforward reports and outputs. Since 2017, Viewport3 conservatively estimate £16m in savings for field operators by deploying their high-end 3D scanning techniques.

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