Revolutionizing Offshore Operations: Shore-Based Drone Takes Charge of North Sea Oil Platform

A recent publication by Aker Solutions reveals that the company has successfully deployed an autonomous drone system on Aker BP’s Edvard Grieg platform located in the North Sea.This innovative technology allows for regular inspections to be conducted remotely from shore, marking a significant advancement in offshore operations.

The first-ever offshore drone operation beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) was recently executed from Aker Solutions’ control center in Stavanger. During this mission, the drone installed on the Edvard Grieg platform performed inspection flights autonomously.

Equipped with cutting-edge navigation and sensor technology, this drone captures high-resolution images and data throughout its inspection cycles. This development is a pivotal move towards achieving fully autonomous inspections at sea.

Anja Dyb,Senior Vice President of Life Cycle Services at Aker Solutions,expressed enthusiasm about this innovation: “We’re convinced that autonomous drones will transform inspection and maintenance practices within the energy sector. By permanently stationing a drone on an oil platform and integrating it with robotics, AI, and digital tools, we can elevate offshore maintenance standards—enhancing safety while cutting costs and boosting efficiency.”

The setup at Edvard Grieg includes not just a docking station for the drone but also essential infrastructure to support its operations. Additionally, Aker Solutions has created software systems alongside an onshore control room equipped for airspace monitoring and two-way communication with aviation management personnel.

Thomas Øvretveit, Director of Operations at Aker BP, noted that their operational strategy hinges on incorporating robotics and drones into various tasks such as observation and inspections—whether these technologies are deployed autonomously or managed remotely from land. The accomplished execution of remote-controlled operations signifies a crucial milestone for both companies involved.

With AI-driven analytics paired with these autonomous drones, frequent inspections can now be conducted more accurately than ever before. The ability to capture consistently positioned images allows teams to monitor equipment over time effectively—leading to quicker identification of issues like wear or corrosion before thay escalate into larger problems.

Joachim Hovland, Head of Drones and Robotics at Aker Solutions stated that “we anticipate that using autonomous drones could slash inspection costs by up to 70% while providing detailed insights within hours—a task that typically takes days when done manually.”

Incorporating machine learning alongside robotics is central to Aker Solutions’ digital vision moving forward. Their strategy emphasizes enhancing project execution capabilities while fostering new service developments—all underpinned by robust data management practices coupled with advanced software technologies.