DNV GL and Aker BP jointly conducted a pilot project concerning remote inspections on three of their offshore cranes on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Remote inspections are now being the new normal due to the COVID-19 restrictions, and DNV GL has undertaken more than 4,000 remote inspections for the oil and gas industry so far this year.
On both installations, crane operators and specialized crane technicians on board the platforms used tablets to take close-up video and pictures based on an agreed checklist of selected safety functions, which were shared with DNV GL’s onshore inspectors.
On the Valhall Flank West platform, which is normally unmanned, the one-year old crane, manufactured by NOV, featured auto-testing of the AOPS (automatic overload protection system).
It was the first time this was inspected along with the structural connections, critical hydraulic and electrical components, the MOPS (manual overload protections system), and brakes.
The ongoing remote pilot task is currently anchored in 350-450m water and 210km off the coast of Sandnessjøen, Norway and will asses how to perform key safety critical tasks in a remote fashion without jeopardizing trust and safety for personnel and the asset in the process.
Robert Anfinn Oftedal, head of section, cranes & lifting operations, DNV GL – Oil & Gas commented
As with physical inspections, communication and knowledge of the equipment or system in question is vital throughout the process between each party. With the use of readily available, live-feed technology such as smartphones, tablet computers and digital cameras, inspections are becoming quicker, more accessible, more cost-effective and have a positive impact on minimizing carbon emissions.
