Tymor Marine transforms draft surveying with AI-powered DRFT MRKS App
(Posted on 06/06/25)
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.
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.
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 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.
Tymor Marine’s DRFT MRKS app is one of many innovations designed to enhance the safety, accuracy, and efficiency of maritime operations, helping mariners navigate the challenges of today’s complex shipping world.
Latest News
Damen delivers Combi Freighter to Reederei Gerdes in Vietnam
(Posted on 04/11/25)Damen Shipyards Group has delivered its latest Combi Freighter (CF) 3850 to family owned German shipping... Read more
Electric drive on the rise
(Posted on 04/11/25)Liebherr, the global leader in mobile harbour crane technology, continues to drive innovation in sustainable... Read more
Electric drive on the rise
(Posted on 04/11/25)Liebherr, the global leader in mobile harbour crane technology, continues to drive innovation in sustainable... Read more
Electric drive on the rise
(Posted on 04/11/25)Liebherr, the global leader in mobile harbour crane technology, continues to drive innovation in sustainable... Read more
Electric drive on the rise
(Posted on 04/11/25)Liebherr, the global leader in mobile harbour crane technology, continues to drive innovation in sustainable... Read more
Concordia Damen starts major refit project for Reederei Deymann
(Posted on 04/11/25)Concordia Damen has received a new contract from Reederei Deymann, one of Germany’s largest inland... Read more
Wärtsilä completes Marine Electrical Systems divestment to VINCI Energies
(Posted on 04/11/25)Technology group Wärtsilä completed the transaction of the Marine Electrical Systems business... Read more
Rock Machinery becomes full-line Superior dealer with addition of conveying equipment
(Posted on 02/11/25)Superior Industries, Inc., a US-based manufacturer and global supplier of bulk material processing and... Read more
Idwal announces regional leadership in Asia with commitment to growth
(Posted on 27/10/25)Idwal, the leading provider of independent vessel inspection and condition assessment services, has... Read more
Cavotec signs motorised reel order for Port Hedland in Australia
(Posted on 20/10/25)Cavotec has signed a contract with Australian construction and engineering company Civmec for the supply... Read more
