Tymor Marine has unveiled a groundbreaking solution to one of the maritime industry’s most persistent challenges: the accuracy and safety of draft surveys.
With the launch of its breakthrough smartphone app, DRFT MRKS, the company is replacing the centuries-old, error-prone manual process with cutting-edge Deep Learning technology that delivers results in as little as three minutes.
Now available for free download on the Apple App Store, with Google Play Store availability to follow mid-month as part of a phased release, DRFT MRKS provides mariners worldwide with instant access to a transformative technology that was previously only available in a desktop beta version.
A new chapter in draft surveying: Speed, accuracy, and safety
Draft surveying has long been a manual, subjective process where accuracy depends on human judgment, experience, and, when utilised, the frequent recalibration of gauges. This process, while essential for determining vessel depth, air gap, and cargo weight, has often led to costly discrepancies that trigger legal disputes, financial penalties, and lost time.
Even small misreadings of just a few centimetres can trigger massive problems, misreported cargo shortages, vessel stability issues, and costly delays. For bulk carriers, discrepancies in draft readings account for a staggering 63% of cargo shortages claims for grain alone, with each claim averaging $35,000, according to a 2023 report published by marine insurer The Swedish Club.
“With DRFT MRKS, we’ve completely reimagined the draft survey process” said Kevin Moran, managing director of Tymor Marine. “By moving away from guesswork and leveraging expert-trained AI, we provide more accurate readings every time, reducing the room for human error and potentially saving the industry millions of dollars annually.”
The app’s AI-driven algorithms interpret data from recorded videos, offering a digital record and verifiable reading that removes subjectivity entirely. Maritime professionals have long struggled with the challenge of environmental variables, rusted markings, marine growth, and wave swells – all challenges that DRFT MRKS minimises through its automated analysis.
Tech that saves money and reduces risk
DRFT MRKS doesn’t just deliver a more accurate reading, it provides a verifiable, digital record, allowing ship owners, terminal operators, and insurers to have a single source of truth. The last 10 surveys, along with analysed videos are stored securely in the app for future reference, ensuring discrepancies can be easily resolved.
The video capture feature of the unique, world-first app enables data collection from safer distances, whether through handheld devices or drones, allowing mariners and surveyors to minimise the health and safety risks typically associated with manual draft surveying. The versatility extends beyond cargo vessels to semi-submersibles, salvage operations, tide monitoring, reservoir levels, and river flood risk assessments.
“We’re on the brink of something truly revolutionary,” said Moran. “Imagine the number of disputes that could be avoided, the money saved, and the safety enhanced with a digital, AI-powered solution that tracks vessel displacement at loading and discharge.”
Tymor’s journey to innovation
Tymor Marine developed DRFT MRKS to solve persistent challenges faced by its in-house naval architecture team.
With support from Scottish Enterprise, the University of Edinburgh, and the innovation centre CENSIS, the company fine-tuned Deep Learning algorithms to accurately interpret draft marks, even in the harshest, most unpredictable maritime environments.
Technical specifications
- Compatible with iOS 12+ and Android 8+
- AI-powered video analysis with deep learning algorithms
- Secure storage of last 10 surveys with video analysis
- Drone and handheld device compatibility
Maritime professionals can download DRFT MRKS free from the Apple App Store, with a Google Play Store version to follow mid-June 2025.