Beyond tradition: redefining pipeline surveys with remote inspections
Fugro previously conducted annual pipeline inspections for Eni Energy Netherlands using conventional survey vessels. In 2024, to improve operational sustainability and safety, the campaign transitioned to a fully remote inspection approach, deploying a 12-metre uncrewed surface vessel (USV), Blue Essence®.
Challenge
Eni Energy Netherlands (formerly known as Neptune Energy Netherlands) had carried out pipeline inspections using Fugro’s conventional crewed ships for several years. This approach provided a strong understanding of the area, supported thorough process mapping, and ensured the integrity of critical platforms, subsea infrastructure and pipelines.
As the industry continues to evolve, an opportunity emerged to enhance how these regulatory surveys were delivered. By leveraging remote and autonomous technology, the objective was to reduce offshore human presence, improve safety and align with sustainability goals, without compromising data quality.
Eni Energy Netherlands sought a more sustainable inspection approach while maintaining reliable, high-quality pipeline integrity data. Given their long-standing relationship with Fugro, Eni Energy Netherlands were open to deploying Fugro’s proven USV technology, Blue Essence®. However, implementation required updates to internal policies and risk assessments to safely enable USV operations within 500 metre zones around their offshore assets.
Solution
Fugro deployed Blue Essence® Vaquita for the project, marking its debut following MCA category 0 accreditation, enabling unrestricted access for operations in UK waters. Equipped with state-of-the-art geophysical sensors and the Blue Volta® electric remotely operated vehicle (eROV), the USV was mobilised from Den Helder, Netherlands. Once deployed, all operations were controlled entirely by a team of experts 640 kilometres away at Fugro’s remote operations centre (ROC) in Aberdeen.
The USV performed 132 hours of sub-bottom profiler (SBP) and 238 hours of multibeam echosounder (MBES) acquisition, efficiently visualising pipelines and detecting anomalies. Over 1,000 linear kilometres of bathymetry data were collected, enabling Eni Energy Netherlands to make informed decisions regarding future pipeline maintenance. This remote operation ensured precise data collection, enabling Eni Energy Netherlands to quickly address any issues identified.
To alleviate concerns about remote operations, multiple backup control systems were implemented, reassuring operators and facilitating the USV’s safe entry into the 500 metre zones around the platforms.
Results
The USV, controlled from Fugro’s ROC in Aberdeen, enabled continuous 24-hour operations, gathering data over 7 days. This seamless, real-time Geo-data delivery supported quick, informed decision-making and enhanced operational safety by eliminating the need for personnel offshore. Utilising Blue Essence® delivered substantial sustainability benefits, including:
– 290 tons of emissions reduced in comparison to conventional vessels
– 90% reduction of fuel consumed in comparison to conventional vessels
With advanced MBES and SBP technology, the USV effectively monitored 282 kilometres of pipelines and 26 box-in platform inspections, ensuring accuracy and maintaining integrity. This innovative approach proved not only to be efficient and reliable but also sustainable, helping Eni Energy Netherlands achieve their sustainability targets, exceeding expectations, and setting a new standard for pipeline inspections.
Find out more: Remote and Autonomous Solutions | Fugro
