Robotic cargo oil tank inspections on FPSO pioneered by Australian firm

Working in collaboration with Shell, Perth-based subsea technology company Geo Oceans has carried out full special survey inspections of four cargo oil tanks on a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico using remote robotic technology, said to be the first such survey conducted without any manned entry.

Conducted with Geo Oceans’ sister companies Sonomatic and AUAV and signed off by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), the project is described as the first-ever completion of a cargo oil tank special survey using entirely remote robotic methods.

“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,” stated GeoOceans.

“We look forward to continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in offshore inspections. Our i-COT™ technology represents a significant advancement in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of offshore operations worldwide.”

While cargo oil tank inspections traditionally require human intervention, all gauging requirements and visual inspections in this survey have been performed entirely using robotic methods, the Australian firm explains.

According to the subsea tech firm, the ability to conduct remote inspections could mean safer operations across all industries. Moreover, this example shows that remote robotic inspections can meet the requirements of classification societies.

This comes on the heels of Geo Ocean’s merger with compatriot Blue Ocean Marine Services aiming to leverage robotic technologies to reduce their clients’ operating costs and cut emissions.

Meanwhile, Shell has been busy with liquefied natural gas (LNG)-related projects recently. Earlier this week, the energy giant inked a deal with MET Group to deliver LNG from the United States to Europe and joined industry majors BP, TotalEnergies, and Mitsui & Co. in purchasing equity stakes in what will be the first LNG export facility in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to run on clean power – ADNOC’s Ruwais LNG.

The oil and gas major’s Trinidad and Tobago subsidiary also reached a final investment decision (FID) for a gas development project offshore Trinidad and Tobago.