Transforming offshore inspections with underwater ROV Technology
4 June 2024
We’ve seen the role of underwater ROVs in offshore operations in the Oil and Gas industry. ROV technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also offers significant cost benefits and is an essential tool for modern offshore inspections.
Initially developed for challenging deep-sea missions, ROVs have become a cornerstone in offshore inspection due to their versatility and advanced capabilities. These unmanned vehicles' high-definition cameras, sensors, and robotic arms enable thorough inspections in challenging environments—tasks that would be risky and less effective if carried out by human divers.
Real-world impact: enhancing operational efficiency and safety with ROVs
Underwater ROVs excel in operational efficiency; they can quickly be deployed and maneuvered to remote or hazardous locations without the logistical and safety challenges associated with diver-based inspections. In addition to reducing downtime, or even eliminating it entirely, this quick deployment can quicken the inspection process. For example, what used to take several hours with diver interventions can now be accomplished in less than half the time with ROVs. The use of underwater ROVs eliminates the need for the rig operator to remove the rig from the site or halt operations.
Cost benefits of using high-tech ROVs
In monetary terms, if the rig is making £200,000 per day and it needs to spend 10 days at the shipyard for inspection, it will not be operational nor generate any income. As a result, £2 million in revenue will be lost. This is especially true in outlying areas; for example, in Indonesia, it might be prohibitively expensive to transit a rig 400 or 500 miles to a shipyard and back again–which in and of itself could add weeks of additional downtime. Even though the operator has planned and budgeted for the costs, it can become an extremely expensive ordeal if there are any unforeseen hiccups. By deploying underwater ROV’s instead, it minimises this risk. According to studies, it has also been shown that using ROVs can reduce inspection times by up to 50%, significantly lowering operational costs.
Reduced environmental impact
Underwater ROVs already use electricity from the rig, so there is no additional output used. But returning the rigs to the shipyard is an expensive and unsustainable option because of the diesel and fuel supplies required. Employing divers can amplify environmental impacts due to increased carbon emissions from transportation to and from the site, the need for supplementary tools, and the lengthened workdays.
In line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and regulatory compliance, Westerton Access is also committed to sustainability in the offshore sector by significantly reducing secondary (Scope 2) and tertiary (Scope 3) carbon emissions through our inspection services. By utilising advanced underwater ROVs, we minimise the need for large-scale vessel movements and onsite crew deployments traditionally required for offshore inspections. This not only reduces the direct emissions (Scope 1) from our operations but also substantially cuts down on the indirect emissions associated with energy procurement (Scope 2) and downstream emissions (Scope 3) from extended supply chains and logistics.
Our approach ensures that environmental impact is minimised while maintaining the highest standards of inspection and safety, demonstrating our dedication to environmentally responsible operational practices in the oil and gas industry.
A look into our work with ROV’s
A sophisticated offshore inspection project was successfully completed in Saudi Arabia using ROV technology in conjunction with our one-of-a-kind eddy current NDT system. Without stopping the offshore drilling operation or bringing in any divers, Westerton Access was given the task of completing an associated Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Dry-Docking (UWILD) on a jack-up rig while it was in full operation.
As a result, the client turned to our solutions and Westerton Access designed a new inspection method that allowed the rig to remain in full operation without any downtime or diver assistance.
Our solution was an efficient and risk-free way to carry out this traditionally tedious and expensive inspection requirement.
Louis Pietranek, Managing Director at Westerton Access, shares his insights:
"Innovative ROV technology and UWILD inspections have been at the heart of our operations since day one. When it comes to technologies that significantly lessen threats to people and the planet, I have always been a strong supporter of these transformative solutions. Our competitive advantage has grown as a result of our efforts to simplify operations and make life easier for customers. It is critical to maintain the integrity and productivity of offshore infrastructure, and ROVs, as a part of our offerings, make inspections safer, more thorough and potentially quicker with significant cost-savings.”
As we have explored, the integration of underwater ROV technology in offshore inspections offers undeniable benefits in terms of both operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
For companies looking to stay ahead in the competitive landscape of offshore operations, embracing this high-tech solution is not just an option but a necessity. Discover how Westerton Access's unique inspection services and ROV solutions can transform your offshore operations. Contact us today for a consultation.
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Source: Technavio Report on ROV Market Growth, March 2024
