The oil industry is one of the largest and most crucial industries in the world. It provides fuel for most sectors, making it a key component in keeping the world running. The exploration and production of oil and natural gas are challenging tasks, but they are indispensable for maintaining our modern way of life. Currently, a significant percentage of offshore platforms have been operating with equipment dating back to the 1970s. Many aging structures have suspected weak points and small leaks that, over time, become larger, creating worsening conditions for the infrastructure.

Through the implementation of dedicated periodic inspection procedures, issues such as suspected weak points or small leaks can be addressed before they escalate. The oil industry uses advanced technology, such as ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles), to carry out inspections and safety assessments effectively and efficiently.

ROVs are the ideal technology since these remotely operated vehicles are used for a wide range of tasks, including the inspection of underwater structures and the assessment of oil and gas well conditions. They help detect potential issues and allow for corrective actions before serious damage occurs. Subsea oil platforms are subjected to constant wear due to exposure to ocean currents, salinity, and other environmental factors. ROVs can inspect these structures and detect any damage or deterioration, enabling platform workers to take corrective measures before the issues lead to more severe damage. They are also used to detect the presence of foreign materials on the structure’s surface, such as sediment buildup, algae formation, or the presence of marine organisms.

Another common use of ROVs is the inspection and maintenance of anchoring and mooring systems on subsea oil platforms. These systems are critical to the platform’s safety and are subjected to constant wear due to currents and other environmental factors.