A new era in offshore inspections
Pipeline infrastructure, especially in the Oil and Gas industry, is vast and essential for the safe and efficient transport of resources. Regular inspections are crucial to prevent damage, leaks, and costly downtimes. Traditionally, these inspections have relied on human divers or large remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), or work-class ROVs but advancements in compact ROV technology, underwater drones from Blueye Robotics are changing how these inspections are conducted.
Pipeline inspections, particularly for long-distance pipelines, present several challenges. These pipes can stretch for thousands of meters and often include sensors, valves, and critical junctions that require close monitoring. Large ROVs, while effective in open areas, are not always suitable for specific, confined sections of the pipeline, especially near platforms or at pipe intersections. Blueye ROVs—such as the Blueye X3 are designed to navigate and inspect specific points like leg platforms, fixed platforms, and wellheads with minimal risk to the structure.
Frequent inspection of hard-to-reach areas
Because traditional ROVs can’t always reach confined sections, one of the core advantages of Blueye ROVs is their ability to inspect pipeline sections that divers and larger ROVs cannot access easily. Areas such as platform legs, mooring systems, and confined spaces within cooling or ballast tanks often remain difficult to inspect, creating risks if problems go undetected. The small size and agility of Blueye ROVs allow for inspection within tight structures, including intricate pipeline systems and standing platforms.
This capability enables operators to perform more frequent, quick-check inspections of pipeline end terminals or junctions—critical points where leaks, biofouling, or structural defects might emerge. With a Blueye ROV, crews no longer have to wait for a scheduled large-scale ROV deployment and can instead monitor pipelines proactively. This increased frequency of inspections minimizes downtime and helps operators maintain the structures through timely maintenance. The Blueye ROVs are designed for single person use, are portable, and can be easily operated; they take only minutes to connect and deploy, making them an excellent tool for everyday tasks and operations.
For instance, Noble Corporation recently used the Blueye X3 for a critical thruster inspection on a drill ship in Ghana, where fishing nets were suspected of entangling the aft thruster. By deploying the X3 underwater drone, Noble confirmed the thruster was clear, saving significant operational time and preventing a costly drilling stoppage, which would have cost up to $200,000. This efficiency can be applied to pipeline-specific issues, where time-sensitive inspections are crucial for preventing shutdowns.
Targeted inspections of pipeline transit points and FPSO components
The unique vertical design of the Blueye ROV, with its low center of gravity and balanced buoyancy, provides excellent stability for underwater maneuvering and recording. This stability allows it to efficiently inspect critical points like platform legs, valves, and junctions—where large ROVs struggle to maneuver.
In congested and complex environments, like pipeline intersections near rigs or inside FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) units, which processes and stores oil and gas in deep water require routine and frequent inspection to ensure safety. Blueye ROVs can smoothly access these specific points without risking damage to infrastructure.
Real-time damage assessment and leak detection
Timely detection of leaks or structural damage is crucial for the safe operation of offshore pipelines. The Blueye X3, equipped with the advanced Oculus M750D Sonar, allows operators to quickly identify and assess damages, such as cracks, corrosion, or sediment buildup that could affect pipeline integrity. The sonar technology provides visibility up to 120 meters, which enables operators to detect issues over larger areas.
For example, the Blueye X3 ROV equipped with sonar and positioning systems was used to locate the damaged Nord Stream 1 pipeline. Using the sonar viewer with a range up to 120 meters, the Blueye team confirmed that the blast impacted a larger part of the pipeline.
This real-time feedback enhances inspection accuracy and supports prompt maintenance actions, ultimately reducing the chances of more severe damage. Additionally, the integration of sonar with the ROV’s onboard cameras improves visibility in murky conditions, helping operators get a clear and comprehensive view of the pipeline's state.
Enhancing safety and risk mitigation for pipeline inspections
Blueye ROVs are designed to enhance inspection safety, especially by reducing the need for divers in hazardous underwater environments. Confined or dangerous spaces, such as sea chests, ballast tanks, and restricted areas near FPSO units, pose a high risk for human divers. In these challenging environments, Blueye ROVs can take over the inspection tasks, reducing the need for divers to be exposed to these conditions and significantly decreasing the chance of accidents.
In pipeline inspections specifically, Blueye ROVs can monitor areas requiring regular assessments and contributing to safer operations and lower operational costs over time.
User-Friendly, efficient operation, and comprehensive reporting
Blueye ROVs are designed to be user-friendly and can be deployed within a minute, making them practical for quick, unscheduled inspections. With a diving capability up to 305 meters (1,000 ft) and the option for custom depths, Blueye ROVs offer up to five hours of operational time, supporting extended or repeated inspections during a single deployment.
The Blueye reporting feature further supports inspection teams by consolidating dive data into comprehensive reports that can easily be shared with colleagues or stakeholders. Inspectors can annotate findings, highlight critical issues, and ensure thorough documentation of underwater operations. This reporting tool improves communication, enhances decision-making, and simplifies follow-up actions, making it an invaluable resource for teams managing multiple pipelines or coordinating maintenance tasks across departments.