Fugro completes Middle East’s first ROV underwater inspection using USV

Having commissioned the region’s first government-licensed USV in early 2023, Fugro successfully completed its first USV operation for a customer in the Middle East. The Fugro Pegasus USV (part of the Blue Essence fleet) was mobilized by the Chinese operator Atlantis in early June to conduct an underwater survey and inspection of the UAQ3 platform within the Umm Al Quwain gas field.

This pioneering operation was executed from Fugro’s shore-based Remote Operations Center (ROC) in Dubai using a specialized team of sailors and surveyors. The Fugro Pegasus USV was equipped with a Blue Volta^® Electric Remotely Operated Vehicle (eROV), which was used to inspect the integrity of the rig structure and generate a detailed map of the surrounding seafloor. The collected data was transmitted to the ROC, allowing Atlantis to review the data in real time during the operation. This allowed the team to quickly identify and investigate areas of greatest concern to develop a comprehensive risk assessment for the client’s upcoming decommissioning program.

Blue Essence’s USV fleet is part of Fugro’s remote and autonomous operations program to deliver market-leading geodata insights to its customers with enhanced efficiency, safety and sustainability. Thanks to their economical design and optimized fuel system, USVs cut carbon emissions by 95% compared to conventional vessels and can spend up to two weeks at sea without refueling. Additionally, the ability to withdraw personnel from the offshore environment significantly reduces health and safety risks and creates the opportunity to build a more localized and diversified workforce onshore.

Patrick Boyce, Drilling Manager at Atlantis (UAQ) ltd, said: “Fugro’s remote survey technology aligned perfectly with our HSEQ projects, technical objectives and was the most attractive business option. The Fugro Pegasus was able to mobilize on time and, despite the difficult sea conditions, completed the entire scope of work in 40% of the allotted time. The USV operation was led by the technical team on the very impressive Fugro ROC. Communications with the USV were strong throughout and provided excellent imaging results. Of particular interest was the evident experience and professionalism of the Fugro team, who have obviously spent many months perfecting their execution procedures.”

Hannes Swiegers, Fugro’s Director of IRM Services and Remote Operations for the Middle East and India, said: “This is a significant milestone for our Middle East business and demonstrates how novel technologies can play a key role in delivering long-term security. term of our clients. , sustainability and value ambitions in the country (ICV). Together with our clients, we are setting a new standard in geographic data acquisition and analysis through continuous innovation, reducing unnecessary time, risk, and carbon emissions. This new era of remote and autonomous technology will define the future of offshore operations in the energy sector and contribute to a safer and more sustainable world.”