Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UT Gauging) provides a non-destructive method of measuring the remaining thickness of steel structures and identifying areas affected by corrosion, erosion or material wastage.
At INMARSERV, we coordinate UT gauging and vessel inspection requirements worldwide, helping technical teams obtain reliable information, plan ahead and make better-informed decisions.
Why Does Thickness Measurement Matter?
Marine structures operate continuously in demanding environments. Over time, corrosion, erosion and operational wear can reduce the thickness of structural components.
The challenge is that deterioration is not always obvious from visual inspection alone.
Reliable thickness data can help shipowners and managers identify areas of concern earlier, prepare for repairs, estimate potential steel renewal, support survey planning and monitor structural condition over time.
For vessels approaching drydock, this information can be particularly valuable. Understanding potential problem areas before the vessel enters the yard can help the technical team plan the scope of work and reduce unexpected discoveries.
When Should You Consider UT Gauging?
Thickness measurement can be useful throughout the vessel's operational lifecycle.
Typical requirements include pre-drydock assessments, scheduled surveys, steel-renewal planning, corrosion investigations, targeted inspections following damage or previous findings, and ongoing condition monitoring.
The scope does not always need to cover the entire vessel. In many cases, targeted measurements can be arranged for specific structures or areas of concern.
What Should You Look for in a UT Gauging Service?
The quality of the service involves much more than simply taking measurements.
A shipowner or technical manager should consider whether the service provider can understand the required scope, coordinate attendance around the vessel's schedule, mobilise appropriate specialist resources and deliver clear, organised results.
For internationally trading fleets, geographical coverage and responsiveness are equally important.
A vessel may require support in Rotterdam today, Singapore next month and the Middle East during its next drydock. Having a single point of contact capable of coordinating requirements across multiple locations can simplify the process considerably.
The INMARSERV Approach
We use a simple six-stage process:
01 — SCOPE
We understand the vessel, inspection requirement and areas of interest, considering available vessel information, drawings and previous inspection data where relevant.
02 — PLAN
The required inspection scope, location, timing, access requirements and operational considerations are coordinated with the vessel and technical team.
03 — MOBILISE
INMARSERV coordinates experienced specialist inspection resources and the necessary equipment for attendance at the vessel's location.
04 — MEASURE
Ultrasonic thickness measurements are carried out across the agreed areas, with findings and areas requiring attention identified as part of the assignment.
05 — REPORT
Measurement results are organised into a clear service report, giving the shipowner or manager useful information for technical review and subsequent planning.
For subscribed vessels, inspection and service reports can also be made available through INMARSERV ServiceHub, providing customers with a central digital location for their vessel's inspection and service history.
06 — SUPPORT
Our involvement does not necessarily end when the report is issued.
Where required, INMARSERV can support the technical team with follow-up inspection requirements, repair planning, steel-renewal preparation and other engineering services.
Worldwide Mobilisation
Ships move globally, and inspection requirements do not always arise in convenient locations.
INMARSERV coordinates engineering and inspection services through its international network, supporting vessel requirements across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.
Attendance can be coordinated at ports and shipyards and, where locally permitted and operationally feasible, at anchorages.
With support teams across the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Angola, Hong Kong and India, customers benefit from international reach combined with a single point of coordination.
Experience That Matters
INMARSERV has delivered 100+ engineering and inspection projects for clients worldwide.
Beyond individual assignments, our access to a pool of 1,200+ vessels gives our team valuable exposure to different vessel types, operating environments and technical requirements.
This broader perspective helps us continuously improve how projects are planned, coordinated and delivered.
Better Information. Better Decisions.
UT gauging is ultimately about more than measuring steel.
It is about giving the vessel's technical team reliable information to understand condition, identify risk, plan maintenance, prepare for repairs and make better operational decisions.
For INMARSERV, the objective is simple:
Accurate insights. Better planning. Safer, smarter and more efficient operations.
Need UT Gauging for Your Vessel?
Send our team the vessel name / IMO number, port or location, ETA and required scope, and we can review your requirement and coordinate the appropriate support.
INMARSERV UT Gauging Team
sales@inmarserv.com
Global Marine Technical Services