Enhancing the Longevity of Subsea Assets and Jacket Platforms Through Mini-ROV-Assisted Marine Growth Removal and Automated Structure Inspection

Abstract In the Gulf of Suez, offshore oil and gas production is a cornerstone of Egypt's energy sector, with the Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company (GUPCO)—a joint venture between the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and Dragon Oil—managing a substantial number of offshore assets. GUPCO's operations primarily utilize jacket platforms situated at depths of up to 70-80 meters, where these structures provide essential support for production wells in the shallow to mid-depth waters of the region. Jacket platforms are well-suited for the Gulf of Suez due to their structural stability, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to the region's unique marine environment. However, as these platforms age, they face challenges associated with biofouling accumulation, corrosion, and structural fatigue, affecting their operational efficiency and safety. Innovative solutions are critical for addressing these challenges. This paper explores the engineering requirements, maintenance strategies, and emerging technologies that are vital for sustaining the long-term integrity of GUPCO's jacket platforms. Key focus areas include the use of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for detailed inspections, cavity blasting zero jet (CBZJ) technology for effective biofouling removal, and AI-driven structural monitoring to optimize maintenance schedules and extend platform lifespans. This study provides insights into how GUPCO is adapting its operational strategies to enhance the durability of its jacket platforms, ensuring that these structures continue to meet the demands of the Gulf of Suez's oil and gas industry. By integrating advanced engineering solutions and innovative maintenance approaches, GUPCO aims to maximize production efficiency, minimize downtime, and uphold safety standards in one of Egypt's most critical offshore regions. This paper explores how ROVs can be integrated into GUPCO's asset integrity management program, evolving from periodic inspection tools into intervention and maintenance solutions. Smart mini-ROVs and compact eROVs equipped with high-definition cameras, multibeam sonar, and AI-driven navigation can autonomously scan submerged structures, identify anomalies, and map marine growth accumulation. Using cavity blasting zero jet (CBZJ) technology, these ROVs can perform non-destructive biofouling removal, restoring the hydrodynamic efficiency of jacket platforms while preserving protective coatings and reducing structural stress. The shift from conventional, manpower-intensive inspection techniques to automated, ROV-based interventions could provide GUPCO with a scalable and sustainable strategy to extend the lifespan of aging assets, improve operational safety, and reduce maintenance costs. Future enhancements, including AI-powered predictive maintenance, digital twin integration, and remote operation from onshore control centers, will further transform subsea inspection and maintenance, enabling GUPCO to optimize offshore asset longevity and operational efficiency in the Gulf of Suez. This abstract highlights how ROVs can support GUPCO's offshore operations, evolving from inspection tools to automated intervention systems, ultimately reducing costs and extending platform life.