AI-Powered ROV Conducts Autonomous Inspection of Scottish Offshore Wind Turbine
A cutting-edge remotely operated device (ROV) powered by artificial intelligence has successfully completed an autonomous inspection of an offshore wind turbine situated off Scotland's coast. This advancement marks a significant milestone in the realm of offshore technology.
Beam, a UK-based offshore wind service provider, deployed the ROV equipped with advanced technology to conduct intricate underwater surveys and inspections entirely independent of human control, an achievement touted as “the world’s first” in the industry. The inspection was part of a collaborative effort with SSE Renewables, focusing on the Seagreen wind farm. Known for being the deepest fixed-bottom offshore wind farm globally, Seagreen is located off the Scottish coast.
Traditionally, manual underwater inspections of offshore wind turbines are a daunting and labour-intensive endeavour. This innovation by Beam and SSE Renewables represents a significant leap in overcoming these challenges. The ROV was tasked with examining the wind turbine’s jacket foundations and cables, successfully transmitting real-time data to shore.
Beam has highlighted the importance of the data gathered by the ROV, noting its potential to enhance ongoing operational reliability at the Seagreen site. Key information captured includes insights into marine growth and possible erosion at the turbine foundations. In addition to visual data, the information collected can facilitate the creation of 3D reconstructions of the underwater assets, aiding further analysis and maintenance planning.
The autonomous capabilities of Beam’s ROV are projected to slash inspection timelines by up to 50% and reduce operational expenses. Brian Allen, CEO of Beam, emphasised the broader implications of this technological breakthrough: “Looking ahead to the future, the potential of this technology is huge for the industry, and success in these initial projects is vital for us to progress and realise this vision.”
Matthew Henderson, Technical Asset Manager – Substructure and Asset Lifecycle at SSE Renewables, echoed this sentiment, saying: “Beam’s technology demonstrates that autonomous inspections can reduce the personnel we need to send offshore for planned inspections while speeding up planned works and collecting rich datasets to inform asset integrity planning. As we move further offshore and into deeper waters, the ability to collect high-quality inspection data in a low-risk manner is imperative to us delivering our net zero acceleration programme.”
Beam plans to extend its autonomous inspection technology across its fleet, including DP2 vessels, ROVs, and underwater autonomous vehicles, with full deployment targeted for 2025 and 2026. This advancement is expected to revolutionise underwater asset inspections, setting new standards for the industry in terms of efficiency and safety.
Source: Noah Wire Services