"A testament of our efforts is our growing remote survey record, right now 1 in 3 of the 30,000+ surveys each year are performed without physical attendance, supported by our Remote Survey Champions positioned in key marine hubs around the world, including Greece", Mr Theodosis Stamatellos underlined in his interesting interview in NAFS magazine which follows:

NAFS : Do you believe that the way class societies work changes and remote surveys will be a permanent change for the industry? What challenges are you ready to face in the near future?
TH. ST. : The pandemic crisis has forced global routine change. We have become more open-minded in embracing existing technologies, in order to keep vessels moving and safe, during
the Covid-19 era. It will be surprising, or perhaps a mistake, if we press the “undo” button in the post-Covid world. Turning to remote capability is a win-win situation for the industry and now, where there is accelerated demand and more acceptance in digital technologies, is the time for the next step. Every step comes with challenges. The technology exists but we need to further strength- en our confidence in that what we are seeing is right as well as
to enhance connectivity onboard. Additionally, we should invest in developing crew competencies and in robust defence systems against cyber-attacks, which are becoming more common as shipping turns to digital.
NAFS : Is it possible to see changing rules for the way class societies work change in order to tackle the decade of transformations?
TH. ST. : The decade ahead will be transformational as shipping harnesses digitalisation and turns to net zero. Classification will need to develop modern verification and validation methodologies as new risks and safety challenges emerge from future fuels and digital applications. It is clear that class societies need to reshape codes, rules and frameworks to prove the effectiveness, dependability and safety of these emerging technologies. At Lloyd’s Register, we made our first step with our Digital Compliance framework, where we collaborated with industry leaders to develop a data-driven compliance framework which
is unique for the maritime industry and builds confidence about digital twins in their ability to provide accurate material representation of specific replaceable parts, sub-assemblies, components, equipment, systems and structures within the vessel.
NAFS : Given the importance of that project, how LR was actively collaborating with the flag to drive consistency for this remote working practice and to ensure that provided a long-term benefit to Roxana and the industry in general? Could you please tell us about the benefits and the risks related to Roxana project?
TH. ST. : This is the first time in South Europe we completed a full statutory survey combining physical attendance with remote techniques. Apart from supporting Roxana in maintaining the compliance and safety of the vessel, the value of this project is that we were able to complete around 60% of the survey remotely, meeting class and flag regulations accordingly. This is a great
basis to go forward with and work with all stakeholders to introduce a “remote ready” description, based on the continuous confidence we gain around remote survey capability. The early engagement of involved parties is among the strongest points this project highlighted as it leads to good preparation and effective execution in a transparent manner. The livestreaming issue onboard, the noise, record retention and the quality of images,
are just some of the challenges that emerged which need to be tackled as we go down the remote survey avenue.
NAFS : What technologies will you need to employ to drive further efficiencies in remote capability, and what will the next step- change look like?
TH. ST. : Innovative technologies can offer solutions to practical challenges, such as improving connectivity onboard with satellite tools or hardware applications. The integration of cloud-base data exchange technologies, which will help monitor the condition and the operation of the vessel on a daily-basis, detect and predict unsafe situations, as well as the use of drones for hard to reach or dangerous areas. All of which will empower data transparency, lim- it interventions on board and enable our surveyors to make better, more informed judgements faster and from a safe distance.
NAFS : Are you happy to see LR leading the way to keep its cli- ents and the sectors you serve moving?
TH. ST. : 2020 was a testing year for all. Throughout the pandemic, Lloyd’s Register remained focused on the health and safety of our industry and our people, offering urgent support and solving complex problems with our clients to ensure that their vessels kept moving and that the supply chain could remain open. A testament of our efforts is our growing remote survey record, right now 1 in 3 of the 30,000+ surveys each year are performed without physical attendance, supported by our Remote Survey Champions positioned in key marine hubs around the world, including Greece. We have had the opportunity to experience first-hand the difference we make to our clients in our region, conducting the first pilot statutory survey combining physical and remote techniques, as well as the first remote survey for IHM certification in the area.
* Regional Marine & Offshore South Europe Manager, Lloyd’s Register