According to the latest report from MarineTech News, full-scale trials of the CargoBot system—an autonomous in-tank monitoring and sampling robot for liquid chemical cargoes—have begun on several modern chemical tankers. The first successful test voyages took place in the Baltic Sea aboard MV Innovator of ChemSea Lines, and based on these results, the technology is set to be rolled out fleet-wide.

CargoBot is a cylindrical device about 1.2 m tall and 0.9 m in diameter, equipped with motorized wheels and magnetic grippers that allow it to crawl along the steel walls inside a cargo tank. The robot is controlled remotely from the bridge via a secure Wi-Fi link backed by satellite connectivity, ensuring a stable connection underway. The operator loads a 3D model of the tank into the control app, marking sample points, inspection routes, and equipment zones—then CargoBot navigates itself, avoiding pipework and fittings.

The system’s greatest advantage is its dual role:

1. Automated Sampling
2. A multi-stage probe collects liquid samples anywhere within the tank’s volume, eliminating the need to change ballast or raise the cargo level. Each sample chamber seals itself automatically and transfers the sample to an onboard mini-lab for immediate analysis.
3. Non-Destructive Testing
4. Integrated ultrasonic sensors measure shell thickness and detect corrosion or micro-cracks. Combined acoustic and thermal imaging functions reveal early-stage defects, allowing maintenance to be scheduled long before an emergency repair is needed.

Results from the initial voyages matched manual ultrasonic inspections and laboratory analyses within 1% accuracy for hull thickness and 0.5% for acid composition. The entire “sample-and-scan” process took about 45 minutes—down from several hours using traditional methods.

“CargoBot greatly reduces risks to crew working in confined, hazardous spaces and cuts tanker downtime. We no longer need to ballast down or reposition the ship for sampling,” said Third Officer in charge of cargo operations Daniel Valenzuela. “Automating these tasks frees up time for critical duties like ballast monitoring and safety management in toxic cargo zones.”

ChemSea Lines’ engineers are already enhancing CargoBot with:

1. Temperature and Chemical Sensors for real-time monitoring of cargo composition and thermodynamics, automatically adjusting sampling depth and rate.
2. Self-Cleaning Nozzle Module so that no manual cleaning is needed after each sample.
3. Fleet-wide Integration with shore-based operations centers for live data streaming and instant tank-condition reporting.

Preliminary estimates by shipowners show that deploying CargoBot across the fleet could cut cargo-control costs by up to 15%, reduce unplanned repairs, and boost overall safety in transporting hazardous chemicals. Commercial deployment is slated to begin next year, with most ChemSea Lines tankers equipped by 2026.