GEO Oceans has used new subsea robotics technology to complete a diverless UWILD (Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Dry-docking), hull inspection of floating offshore production storage and offloading (FPSO) facility located off Australia’s North Coast. The technology has eliminated the use of commercial divers, work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and dive support vessels, resulting in improved safety, decreased downtime and cost savings of up to 90% for the operator. Developed by a Perth-based team, the inspection was completed using the Mini ROV CSSTM technology in May 2016.

The inspection was approved and met the classification requirements of a complete intermediate UWILD survey when witnessed by an independent onsite Lloyds Register surveyor. Geo Oceans’ Managing Director, Ben Brayford said without the support from our client and Lloyds Register, the project could not have been executed as successfully as it was. “All parties worked as a cohesive team to reach outcomes that will benefit the global offshore industry”.

Work is not underway to use the Mini ROV CSSTM technology for internal ballast tank inspection on the same FSPO facility. The next inspection campaign will eliminate requirements for confined spaced manned entry into the ballast tanks, further highlighting the wide range of benefits associated with this new technology.