Enhancing Offshore Asset Safety through UAV-Based Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement Inspections

Abstract Interocean Marine Services (Interocean) has helped to revolutionise offshore asset integrity management through its pioneering use of UAV-based Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM) inspections. Offshore assets face significant challenges, including corrosion, material degradation, and structural complexity, all exacerbated by harsh marine environments. Traditional inspection methods struggle to address these issues due to limitations in access, high costs, and operational risks, while also requiring adherence to strict maritime safety regulations. By leveraging over 25 years of industry expertise, Interocean's adoption of UAV-based UTM offers a transformative solution to these challenges. UAV technology enhances the accessibility of inspection sites, allowing comprehensive structural evaluations without exposing personnel to hazardous conditions. Additionally, this method improves efficiency by streamlining operational planning and data collection, eliminating the need for extensive risk analyses and site-specific permits. UAV-based UTM inspections are not only cost-effective but also align with stringent international safety standards, reinforcing compliance and operational reliability. Interocean's approach addresses the inherent limitations of conventional inspection methods—restricted access, inefficiency, and excessive expenditure—by introducing high-precision UAV systems. These inspections enable operators to proactively identify vulnerabilities, mitigate risks, and maintain structural integrity, reducing downtime and avoiding costly repairs. Notably, Interocean is among the first globally to secure ABS and DNV approval for UAV-based UTM on Mobile Offshore Units, cementing its status as a leader in the maritime industry. This paper explores the multifaceted challenges faced by offshore units and underscores the critical role of UAV-based UTM in advancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability in asset management. By integrating innovative technology into inspection protocols, Interocean has set a new benchmark for health and safety management, offering a pathway for sustainable offshore operations that prioritises both safety and comprehensive structural analysis.