Hull thickness measurement
Steel plating loses thickness to corrosion and wear. Thickness measurement, done ultrasonically, shows how much is left and whether plates must be renewed. Classification societies require it at regular surveys, especially on older ships and bulk carriers.
When it is required
- At class renewal surveys (every five years), and at intermediate surveys once a ship is older, with more points as the ship ages.
- Bulk carriers and tankers under the enhanced survey programme, with close-up surveys and extensive gauging of holds, tanks and hatch covers.
- After damage or when a surveyor sees suspect corrosion, to decide whether steel must be cropped and renewed.
How it is done
The operator cleans each point to bare steel and measures it with an ultrasonic gauge, following a plan agreed with the class surveyor. Readings are compared with the original thickness, and the report shows the percentage wastage at each point. Points beyond the class's allowable limit are marked for renewal.
Who may measure in Turkey
For class work the company must be approved by the ship's classification society. In Turkey it also needs the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure's certificate for thickness measurement, issued by a harbour master. Portiva lists the companies holding a valid certificate in the thickness measurement directory. Most of them are near the shipyards at Tuzla, Yalova, Izmir and the Black Sea.
Finding a surveyor
Choose the port on Portiva to see every authorized company there. To get quotes, send one request and we pass it to companies working in that port. Survey companies abroad looking for a local surveyor to attend on their behalf can use the attending surveyor request.