Non-destructive testing (NDT) is the science of evaluating materials, components, and structures without causing damage. In the maritime industry, NDT is essential for detecting corrosion, cracks, weld defects, and material degradation before they become catastrophic failures.
Green Ship Technologies provides comprehensive NDT services for ships, offshore platforms, and marine structures — deploying certified technicians with rope access capability to reach every part of a vessel safely and efficiently.
5 Primary NDT Methods in Maritime Inspections
1. Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
UT uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal flaws and measure material thickness. It is the most widely used NDT method in shipping for measuring hull plate thickness, detecting internal corrosion, and checking weld quality. Our technicians use digital UT equipment with data logging for full audit trails.
2. Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
MT detects surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic materials — including structural steel, frames, and brackets — by applying magnetic fields and observing how magnetic particles cluster around discontinuities. Particularly effective for weld inspection.
3. Eddy Current Testing (ET)
ET uses electromagnetic induction to detect surface and sub-surface defects, measure conductivity, and sort materials. It is non-contact and fast, making it ideal for inspecting heat exchanger tubes, propeller shafts, and other rotating components.
4. Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
PT identifies surface-breaking defects in non-porous materials by applying a penetrant fluid that seeps into cracks, then revealed under UV light with a developer. Widely used for austenitic steel welds, aluminium superstructures, and deck plating.
5. Visual Inspection
The simplest yet most fundamental NDT method — direct visual examination by a certified inspector. Our inspectors systematically survey hulls, decks, void spaces, tanks, and structural members, documenting findings with calibrated measurements and photographic records.
Rope Access NDT Services
Our IRATA-trained rope access technicians allow NDT inspections at height and in confined spaces without costly scaffolding or equipment hire. This significantly reduces inspection time and cost on hulls, superstructures, masts, and offshore platforms.
