The pilot project with Equinor includes a variety of relevant surveys, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) intervention, IMR (inspection, maintenance, and repair), and monitoring related work scope, which will demonstrate the full capacity of the Reach Remote spread.
The scope of work is designed to showcase the capabilities of the USVs and the electric work ROVs to various stakeholders within Equinor and beyond. This involves demonstrating survey data acquisition and ensuring the safe operation of the equipment, including the use of checklists and drills.
The main goal of this campaign is to validate remote operations for various tasks such as seabed mapping, structure inspection (including photogrammetry), pipeline inspection, guard vessel duties, environmental monitoring, and reservoir modeling using gravimetric measurements. Reach Subsea operates control rooms in various locations, including both fixed facilities and mobile containment setups.
This contract is a milestone not only for Reach Subsea but for the entire subsea industry. It confirms the interest and commitment of major industry players to utilize innovative technology required to deliver on the climate ambitions stated in the Paris Agreement.
Jostein Alendal, CEO of Reach Subsea, said: “We are committed to being part of the required transition, and our Reach Remote USVs represent a significant step in the subsea market, with CO2 emissions estimated to be reduced by 90% compared to conventional vessels. This contract with Equinor supports the validation process needed to ensure the USVs can be utilized in operations later this year. This is just the first step, and I expect to see a rapid increase in the use of remote technology in the years ahead.”
The pilot program with Equinor is planned to be executed directly after the delivery of the vessels, estimated in autumn 2024. The scope of work is part of a full-scale operation and will be executed offshore in the North Sea and Norwegian Sea on production fields such as Troll, Gullfaks, Snorre, and Åsgard.
