Ultrasonic Thickness Measurements (UTM)
Reliable thickness measurements to assess vessel integrity and detect material loss caused by corrosion, erosion or wear.
What is Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement?
Assess material thickness and identify metal loss
Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM) uses high-frequency sound waves to measure the thickness of metallic structures and detect metal reduction caused by corrosion, erosion or fatigue. The technique provides accurate information about the remaining wall thickness of hulls, tanks, decks and other structural components.
MME Group has over 50 years of experience in UTM, with more than 30,000 vessels inspected worldwide. Our certified inspectors carry out conventional UTM, corrosion mapping and automated ultrasonic thickness measurements and are available for worldwide deployment in ports, shipyards or at sea.
Benefits
- Accurate thickness measurements to identify material loss and remaining wall thickness
- Non-destructive inspection without damaging the vessel structure
- Reliable inspection data to support maintenance, repair and classification requirements
Used in these markets:
ULTRASONIC THICKNESS MEASUREMENTS
UTM inspection methods
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Typical applications of UTM
Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement is commonly applied to assess the condition and remaining thickness of metallic structures on ships and other marine assets.
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ULTRASONIC THICKNESS MEASUREMENTS
Special / Renewal Surveys
UTM is commonly performed as part of Special and Renewal Surveys to assess the condition and remaining thickness of a vessel’s hull structure. MME Group is certified by major classification societies to carry out UTM for these surveys.
Condition Assessment Programs (CAP)
MME Group carries out UTM as part of Condition Assessment Programs for vessels such as oil tankers, chemical tankers and bulk carriers. Where applicable, inspection results can be entered directly into classification society software.
Performance overview
Strengths and limitations of UTM
Strenghts
- Non-destructive inspection method
- Provides quantitative thickness measurements
- Can detect localised material loss
- Suitable for individual measurements and larger inspection areas
- Can be used for corrosion mapping
- Measurement results can be digitally recorded and reported
- Can support condition monitoring by comparing measurements over time
- Suitable for use in ports, shipyards and at sea
Limitations
- Surface condition can affect measurement quality
- Requires access to the measurement surface
- Conventional UTM measures defined locations
- Coating type, thickness and condition can influence measurement capability
- Material properties and geometry can affect accuracy
- Does not identify all defect types, such as cracks
MARINE SURVEY EXPERTISE
Over 60 years of experience in vessel integrity
MME Group has more than 60 years of experience in marine inspections and has inspected more than 30,000 vessels worldwide.
Our UTM inspectors are certified according to international standards, including ISO 9712, and are available for deployment worldwide in ports, shipyards or at sea.
UTM can also be combined with other inspection techniques, such as Eddy Current Testing (ET), and IRATA-certified Rope Access. This allows MME Group to support a broader range of inspection requirements and access challenging areas of a vessel.
MME Group is certified by major classification societies to carry out UTM inspections for classification purposes. Where applicable, inspection results can be entered directly into classification society software.
Cases
Proven in practice
Discover how we support clients across industries with inspection, testing and corrosion expertise. Our cases highlight practical solutions and measurable impact in complex environments.
Making sure heavy lifting gear meets the highest standards
Making sure heavy lifting gear meets the highest standards
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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about this service?
Automated Ultrasonic Testing provides fast and consistent inspection of large surfaces with digitally recorded inspection data. Our specialists can advise whether automated UT is suitable for your application.
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