Saudi Aramco’s first autonomous underwater vehicle revolutionizing underwater surveying and inspection
A new autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that can conduct offshore platform debris surveys to identify seabed clearance and potential debris was recently inaugurated by Saudi Aramco, the company said in its press release.
The AUV, which can also conduct offshore pipeline inspections to determine subsea asset integrity and accurately locate possible leaks, is also cost efficient. A job that could require a $50 million large survey vessel can now be done swiftly with the $2.5 million AUV.
In addition to its cost avoidance benefits, the AUV’s technological innovation and modular design allows for interchangeable modifications based on mission needs.
For example, the sidescan sonar/bathymetric module for geophysical operations is a camera used for subsea inspection projects, and it is also the environmental module for oil leak detection surveys. An additional battery module can be added to the assembly, allowing the AUV to extend the duration of its mission.
In essence, the AUV resembles a shrunken vessel but is safer, as the team operates it remotely onshore or from a boat controlling the vehicle through Wi-Fi when within reach of its connection limit. When at depth, the AUV works its mission’s route using its Inertial Navigation System.
The AUV field team could not have acquired the technology without the diligent research and support of the procurement project leader Bonifatius Toha and AUV project champion Ali Al-Shamrani.
Starting from a casual conversation, the AUV concept went from an interesting chat to a reality through in-depth research and strong proposals.
The AUV’s success is another reflection of Saudi Aramco’s effective deployment of the latest industrial technologies.
