BP Vision:

BP VISION:

“100% of underwater inspections will be performed by remotely operated systems by 2025”

By Eric Primeau, BP Senior Technical Specialist

Submarine pipelines operate in hostile offshore environments, so the use of underwater vehicles and smart sensor technology efficiently delivering high quality data for integrity assessment is a key component of an inspection and asset integrity management program. With thousands of kilometres of marine pipeline to inspect, data acquisition comprises a significant risk and cost. Expensive Intervention, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) vessels are contracted to conduct inspection programs but frequently have other priority tasks. There is an expectation that inspection operations will be performed in periods of low activity, however, there is often a conflict of interest as all activities are crunched into weather windows of opportunity.

Businesses have modernisation and transformation agendas (technical challenge) and simplification and efficiency agendas (process challenge). These agendas provide the opportunity for reviewing and integrating new technologies. Such an opportunity was realised through the development of a new inspection methodology termed Fast Digital Imaging inspection (FDI). The FDI concept employs integrated High Definition (HD) stereo digital stills cameras, laser systems and non-contact Field Gradient Cathodic Protection (CP) systems delivering data acquisition up to 6 times faster than traditional methodology. The progression of FDI is then to host sensor packages onto a suitable Underwater Vehicles (UV), then operate the UV from an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV).

To move FDI technology into the ‘Robotics’ arena, the development and utilisation of combination USV / UV systems is a component part of the BP vision, stating that 100% of underwater inspections will be performed by remotely operated systems by 2025.

Fig 1 - Fast ROV

In 2017 BP contracted Deep Ocean (employing the Edda Flora and the ‘Superior’ Fast ROV – Figure 1 above) to undertake the first FDI inspection of our North Sea pipeline assets. The project was a success, completing 478 kilometres of pipeline inspection from 27th November in 94.72 hrs, an average inspection velocity of over 5kmh.

Subsequently, in 2018 BP contracted REACH / MMT to undertake our Trinidad & Tobago pipeline inspection employing a reconfigured Work-class ROV (WROV), achieving 432 kilometres pipeline inspection in 193.72 hours at an average inspection velocity of 2.23 kmh. Subsea7 / i-Tech7 performed FDI in the North Sea, operating from a reconfigured WROV, achieving 301 kilometres pipeline inspection in 114.49 hours at an average inspection velocity of 2.63 kmh.

2019 campaigns comprise pipeline inspection in the North Sea and Azerbaijan, including a 70 day jacket inspection in Trinidad & Tobago employing a variation of FDI for vertical inspections.

Other operators are now electing for FDI inspections and through the ‘Normalisation and Standardisation’ process, FDI is becoming the ‘New Norm’.

Moving the FDI process forward, BP realised that further efficiencies would be gained if the FDI concept was coupled with electric UVs operated from USVs. A Request for Information (RFI) was issued culminating in partnership between BP and two contractors to develop integrated combination USV / UV solutions hosting FDI configurations. Targeted for delivery in 2020 / 2021 the USVs may be partially manned during the early stages, in order to meet both early maintenance and regulatory requirements, but in time should develop toward fully unmanned systems.

Fig 2 - XOCEAN USV

USV technology has been the preserve of the military for many years. As the technology develops into the civilian sector it has become of great interest in the Oil & Gas market. But USV technology is not mature, there are few contractors in the market offering ‘Over the Horizon’ operations (such as XOCEAN USV – Figure 2 above), and even fewer capable of hosting underwater vehicles (example Seakit Hushcraft – Figure 3 or L3ASV – Figure 4 below). There is also the challenge of regulatory approvals specifically complying with International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), as well as the challenge of acquiring maritime insurance.

Fig 3 - Seakit Hushcraft

Fig 4 - L3ASV

Maritime UK set up the Maritime Autonomous Systems Working Group who published the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships UK Code of Practice (v2) in November 2018. This voluntary practice provides guidance for the design, consultation and safe operation of autonomous and semi-autonomous vessels under 24m. It only applies to Marine Autonomous Surface Ships within UK waters, but due to the UK maritime legacy and the lack of international documentation, many nations are adopting UK practice documents.

Remote USV operations have both technical and personnel challenges. Line of sight control systems are constrained by range while satellite controlled systems may have limited bandwidth and latency effects that can frustrate a vessel or ROV pilot and may add risk to sensitive operations. But USV / UV combination systems are rapidly gaining the attention of the market as the potential environmental, economic and risk savings are significant. The philosophy of remote operations is also a challenge for companies to change traditional mindsets. Operating from onshore virtual bases will require dedicated local personnel. The Remote Operations Centres (ROCs) will have to provide for the needs of personnel operating 24/7 in a comfortable amenable environment (Figure 5 – Fugro ROC).

Fig 5 - Fugro ROC

There are challenges throughout the process, however, the Oil & Gas industry is becoming more aware of ‘what we don’t know’ and developing technology strategies accordingly. The solution lies in a holistic approach between data acquisition, UV, USV, communications systems, sensor configuration and remote operations of fully integrated systems and ultimately – the primary goal – delivery of fit for purpose integrity data.

A key factor in the development of combination systems is the ROC which will be the central control hub for the robotic control and monitoring of systems and operations. Success in managing operations will be attributable to system reliability, communications and the degree of ‘autonomy’ the offshore systems have in decision making processes, such as obstacle avoidance.

Engaging with two selected contractors in our journey will facilitate opportunity for all as well as developing the industry as a whole. With project opportunities globally, and very real environmental, risk and economic advantages addressing some of BPs highest targets, this technology is primed for action!

Although BP considers we are pioneering utilisation of this technology, key to success is the concept of Normalisation & Standardisation. Adoption of this transformational methodology must deliver data that is fit for purpose. Once this can be demonstrated the additional advantages will become self-evident, however, as ever...

Data is King.