Bureau Veritas launches HERMES, an app to simplify container inspections and certification

Every day, millions of containers are shipped around the globe. Bureau Veritas’ new app makes it easy for owners, operators and depots to manage inspections and certifications, wherever their containers are in the world.

 Certification is mandatory for containers and tank containers, with regular inspections needed every 2.5 - 5 years to maintain certification once the container is in service. This can pose a logistical challenge for owners and operators, who must track thousands – sometimes millions – of containers worldwide.

Thanks to its worldwide network, Bureau Veritas has been the inspection and certification body of choice for many containership owners and operators. Our presence in 140 countries, with 400 dedicated container inspectors, has been a significant advantage in an industry where equipment to be inspected is constantly on the move.

Now we have launched a ground-breaking tool that makes inspections even easier for customers. HERMES, a Bureau Veritas solution is an app that enables owners and operators to book inspections, download certificates and access identity data for their own containers anywhere in the world in real time. It covers all types of container and tank: both certification of new equipment, and periodic (otherwise known as statutory) inspections of equipment in-service. The service also covers voluntary inspections, used for example when equipment is hired, to determine the condition of the container, its cleanliness prior to loading, and the level of repairs needed to bring the container back in-service.

Digital solutions to improve quality and accuracy

The tool is also designed to improve the quality and accuracy of inspections. To date, inspectors have had to spend time manually recording container identity data. With HERMES, a Bureau Veritas Solution the data is recorded once, and in a simple way, using a smartphone then checked on each subsequent inspection. The software automatically verifies the technical coherence of the information entered by the inspector.

Automating identity data recording also frees up the inspector to concentrate on more value-add elements of the service, such as visual inspections, hydraulic tests and verification of safety and service equipment. The inspector uses a smartphone to record data and take photos, which are automatically uploaded to the tool. This enables reports to be generated quickly, meaning that the company who requested the inspection receives the report in real time.

A user-friendly service

Available on desktop, mobile and tablet via a Webapp and Android app, HERMES Bureau Veritas Solution is intended to make life easy for users.

Renato Catrib, Senior Vice President for Industry & Facility Global Service Lines,explains,

“We really designed the service with user needs in mind. We began the project by interviewing clients, and ran a pilot scheme in three countries before rolling out the service. Clients requested two key features: the ability to request an inspection online, and to access the container’s identity information.”

Large companies who had previously linked their own platforms to Bureau Veritas to share data will be able to continue to do so, ensuring a seamless service.

Further services are planned for 2017, including an iOS version of the app and an additional service for maintenance and repairs. Users will be able to automatically approve repairs to be carried out on equipment, or ask Bureau Veritas to verify the repair to be carried out by a maintenance depot.

“Our aim is to provide a service that is in line with our customers’ businesses – global, and efficient” concludes Renato Catrib. “By providing immediate access to information on each container, and a fast way to be compliant, we hope to make the lives of industry professionals easier and contribute to a safe shipping and transportation industry.”

Intermodal Europe 2016 Event

We are pleased to inform you that we are attending the Inter modal event this November from the 15^th to the 17^th at Ahoy, Rotterdam.