DeepOcean, a Norwegian subsea services provider, and Aker BP, a prominent oil and gas player, have joined forces to introduce pioneering technology through an agreement that will leverage an unmanned surface vessel (USV) for subsea inspection, maintenance, repair (IMR), and survey operations.

DeepOcean has unveiled that this innovative USV solution could potentially reduce CO2 emissions by more than 90% in comparison to traditional vessels used for subsea IMR tasks.

The first USV is scheduled to be operational by 2025, under an eight-year charter agreement with DeepOcean, in collaboration with specialist provider USV AS.

This 24-meter-long vessel will be remotely operated from shore, with both the vessel crew and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operators situated in a shared remote operating center during operations.

The vessel will be equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and a battery package, enabling it to function offshore for up to 30 days without the need for recharging or refueling.

To expand the operational window in varying weather conditions, the USV will feature a newly developed launch and recovery system, allowing work-class ROVs to operate from relatively compact vessels. Additionally, the vessel will include a work ROV capable of conducting operations at depths of up to 1,500 meters, along with a comprehensive tool package for subsea tasks.

Aker BP and DeepOcean, both currently engaged under a framework agreement for subsea IMR and survey work, have collaborated on the development of the USV. Both companies share a long-term vision to transition 30% of IMR activities from conventional vessels to USVs.

Jarle Marius Solland, Aker BP's Operations Manager for subsea execution and survey, expressed enthusiasm about deploying this USV on their subsea fields, emphasizing the efficiency and environmental benefits it offers.

The joint commitment of Aker BP and DeepOcean centers on the adoption of new technologies, with a specific focus on "Remote First," a strategy aimed at replacing conventional vessel and tooling operations with more efficient, innovative, and sustainable solutions.

This collaboration follows Aker BP's earlier appointment of DeepOcean as its preferred supplier for subsea operations related to inspection, intervention, repair, survey, emergent operations, as well as onshore engineering and project management services in May of the previous year.