By Ejekwu Chidiebere
- Says it is deploying the technology to improve safety, reduce inspection time and enhance data quality across its offshore operations in Angola
Energy major ExxonMobil says it will be leveraging drone-based technology to improve inspection practices across its offshore oil and gas operations in Angola. The company said it would be investing approximately $1 billion every year in the development of innovative, game-changing technologies like aerial drones and 3D sonar imaging, for they have been certified effective in safety improvement, and also reduces inspection time while enhancing data quality across its Angolan projects.
Speaking at an ExxonMobil-sponsored pre-conference session in Angola recently, Vera Veloso, Integrity Engineering Supervisor at ExxonMobil, showcased how those technologies were improving inspections and strengthening operational efficiency in Angola. ExxonMobil says it currently has stakes in three deepwater blocks covering nearly two million acres in Angola, including legacy assets such as Block 17. Adding that through drone-based technology, it’s already transitioning from traditional inspection models – notably those that utilize rope-access teams – to technology-centered methods.
“These drones are able to reach hazardous areas, without the need for human intervention. This improves the efficiency and safety of inspections. They can also be done when the operations are underway – so, we don’t have to shut down operations,” Veloso was quoted to have stated.
On enhancing data accuracy, ExxonMobil said drone-based technology was very sophisticated to be compared to traditional methods. “Through the application of drone-based technology, ExxonMobil managed to achieve a 60% reduction in inspection duration, thereby supporting decision-making and minimizing operational disruption,” the company said.
Energy Window International (Media) also gathered that the company has even turned towards echoscope technology – through 3D sonar imaging – to improve data accuracy, validate trench dimensions, providing real-time monitoring and operation in zero-visibility conditions. These technologies provide sufficient data for surveillance and risk evaluation.
Veloso further explained: “The 3D sonar imaging uses sound pulses. That data enables us to map the seabed, taking all the measurement and identifying the anomalies around the suction pipe. The main benefit of this technology is data accuracy – we are able to access more dimensions of the trench. It also improves the efficiency of the surveys as we are not limited by the visibility.”
ExxonMobil, Energy Window International (Media) also learnt, is looking ahead as it reveals plans of utilizing additional technology to support its Angolan operations. It will include AI-driven robotics and drones for autonomous visual, acoustic and ultrasonic data for unmanned locations, AI-driven digital twins, autonomous risk mitigation via AI decisioning and 5G or Starlink to enable remote operations.