The M40P unmanned surface vessel (USV) from OceanAlpha has successfully facilitated a fully remote nearshore inspection of a subsea pipeline in the Tali Field, commissioned by Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) and executed by the Malaysian geo-solutions firm HGIS.
This 5.5-meter-long USV gathered seabed facts from offshore, nearshore, and onshore areas, delivering continuous geospatial data essential for the construction, operation, and upkeep of pipeline routes and subsea infrastructure. Operated from a control station located approximately 4-5 kilometers from the Tali Field pipelines,the USV utilized OceanAlpha’s proprietary control system. While the vessel autonomously conducted precise surveys with minimal human oversight, surveyors could focus more on critical data interpretation and identifying potential hazards.
Ran Zhang, the General Manager of OceanAlpha, remarked, “The growing interest in our USVs can be attributed to several factors, including workforce shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the industry’s collective aim for sustainable development. The M40P is designed to facilitate the offshore sector’s transition by digitizing processes and reducing carbon emissions.”
Alexis Wan ullok, Executive director of HGIS, expressed, “Conducting surveys remotely from the shore has been a remarkable and innovative experience for us.The adoption of unmanned technology significantly minimizes health, safety, security, and environmental (HSSE) risks and shortens survey timelines. With reduced human presence at sea and decreased fuel consumption, we are making tangible progress toward our commitment to sustainable economic growth.”
