Sonomatic achieves class sign-off for entirely robotic FPSO cargo oil tank special survey
04/09/2024
Sonomatic has announced a groundbreaking achievement in the field of robotic offshore oil & gas inspections. Utilising both Sonomatic and Geo Ocean’s innovative i-COT technology and working in close collaboration with Shell, Sonomatic and its sister companies, Geo Oceans and AUAV, have successfully delivered full special survey inspections of four cargo oil tanks on a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit in the Gulf of Mexico, USA. This project, recognised and signed off by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), marks what is claimed to be the first-ever completion of an entire cargo oil tank special survey using entirely remote robotic methods without any manned entry.
This milestone is monumental for the global FPSO industry. Traditionally, cargo oil tank inspections have required human confined-space entry and previous attempts at robotic inspections always necessitated some level of human involvement within the tanks to fulfil survey requirements. However, Sonomatic’s survey was conducted entirely using robotic methods, for all gauging requirements and visual inspections, with the result that no personnel had to enter the tanks.
Sonomatic has acknowledged the tremendous help and support received by Steve Trevino from the Shell Robotics team, the Deepwater team in Louisiana and the incredible efforts of Shell’s offshore crew on the FPSO unit, especially Offshore Installation Managers Aleksandar Zhechkov and Chetan S Abhyankar, whose leadership and expertise were instrumental in the successful execution of this project.
The implications of this success extend far beyond this single project. The ability to conduct high-quality, remote inspections paves the way for safer, more efficient operations across all industries. This achievement demonstrates that remote robotic inspections can meet and even exceed the stringent requirements of major classification societies, such as the American Bureau of Shipping.
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| In collaboration with Shell, Sonomatic, Geo Oceans and AUAV have completed an entirely remote robotic survey of cargo oil tanks on an FPSO unit |
Moreover, accomplishing this milestone underscores the dedication and expertise of the teams at Sonomatic, Geo Oceans and AUAV. Years of research, development and collaborative effort, working closely with Shell, has culminated in this pioneering project, setting a new standard for the industry. Shell’s unwavering commitment to pursuing safer operations and willingness to trial these new robotic methods has been critical to the success of the project.
As Sonomatic celebrates this historic milestone, the company looks forward to continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in offshore inspections. Its i-COT technology represents a significant advancement in ensuring the safety, efficiency and sustainability of offshore operations worldwide.
Sonomatic, Geo Oceans and AUAV remain committed to driving forward technological advancements and delivering unparalleled service quality in the oil & gas sector. This achievement is a testament to the companies’ relentless pursuit of excellence and vision for a safer, more efficient future in offshore inspections.
Sonomatic specialises in the design, development and application of non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections.
It resides as a global leader for remotely operated vehicle (ROV)/diver-deployed subsea inspection and non-intrusive inspection (NII) technologies.
