OceanAlpha Delivers USV for Pipeline Inspections

A 4.5-meter-long large unmanned surface vessel (USV) from OceanAlpha, a leading USV manufacturer based in Hongkong, was successfully delivered to HGIS, a Geophysical & surveying solutions service provider based in Brunei. The USV will be applied to inspect offshore oil & gas pipelines of Shell Patrol company.

Ingenious design for oil and gas field

Efficiency has always been a diligently pursuing bonus for the oil and gas industry, and remote technology is crucial for the near future under the impact of COVID-19 and the progress of globalization. “This’s why we adhere to develop M40P, an unmanned surface platform dedicated for the oil and gas industry. There’s huge space in efficiency, safety and cost where the unmanned vessel is able to improve,” said Ran Zhang, general manager of OceanAlpha.

M40P tested in water after arriving at Brunei

Delicately designed for long-term operation in offshore oil and gas fields, the M40P is powered by electricity while its battery life can be prolonged by the diesel-electric generator within. This helps it to achieve 24 hours at typical survey speed 4-5kn, 72 hours endurance at 2-3kn. The USV is also embedded with an automatic winch that allows it to carry out towing operations in a deeper water depth.

New business practice under Pandemic

Due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic, the deal was closed and delivered all by remote communication. The round-clock service provided by OceanAlpha’s professional engineer team, providing timely responses and easy-to-follow instruction, guaranteed a satisfying experience in the remote demonstration, examination, training, and on-site testing.

M40P sailing at sea

Future is happening

Applying USV in pipeline inspection is a pioneering practice in the oil and gas industry, but it’s far from a piece of news to OceanAlpha. In last, An M40 USV, the last generation of M40P, had complete its first attempt to survey offshore pipelines and successfully discovered 7 exposed sections from an extremely shallow area where a manned survey boat was unable to enter.