Recognizing operators' POB constraints, the need for environmental compliance, and the challenges of safely accessing hard-to-reach riser areas, the lightweight D-RIT is designed to be operated remotely by the offshore deck crew. The new tool, offered in partnership between OceanTech and Sistac, will be deployed in the Santos Basin in January 2025 as part of a riser inspection project for a major offshore operator.
OceanTech CEO Bernt Schjetne stated, “We are excited to introduce a custom-built solution that addresses the unique challenges of inspecting flexible risers. While none of our robotic solutions require divers, ROVs, or support vessels, we have placed extra emphasis on developing a lightweight tool that minimizes POB.”
“Our partnership with OceanTech to introduce the D-RIT technology in Brazil marks a major milestone for our offshore operations. We believe this cutting-edge solution will be a game changer in riser inspection and maintenance, especially in the splash zone. With D-RIT, we can deliver even more, more efficient, safer, and environmentally responsible services that are perfectly aligned with the future needs of Brazil's oil and gas industry,” Sistac CEO Carlos Madaleno said.
Safe access to non-accessible areas
The remotely operated D-RIT is capable of accessing hard-to-reach areas in harsh weather conditions. This ensures safer and more efficient maintenance of flexible risers.
“The D-RIT operates effectively in adverse weather and captures high-quality data even in confined spaces. Our access robot provides a stable platform for deploying the tool in challenging areas such as riser balconies, bellmouths, and bend stiffeners,” Schjetne explained.
"Brazil has a robust offshore oil and gas sector, particularly in the pre-salt region, which demands efficient and reliable riser inspection solutions. In this context, diverless technologies enhance safety by mitigating the risks of underwater diving operations, improving operational efficiency, and minimizing downtime during inspections," Thiago Guesse, Commercial Director at Sistac, added.
Minimal POB and space requirements
In Brazil, offshore platforms face a significant limitation regarding the number of available POB, which directly impacts the ability to carry out simultaneous activities. To mitigate these challenges, operators are increasingly exploring technologies like remote monitoring and diverless inspection tools to reduce the number of people needed on board.
Technologies like D-RIT not only lower operational risks and logistical challenges but also minimize the need to mobilize teams for underwater work. By reducing personnel transport to platforms, they further contribute to lowering the carbon footprint, aligning with the sustainability goals of the oil and gas industry.
“The D-RIT requires minimal logistical support and occupies little space offshore. It is easy to deploy and does not require support from rope access teams,” Schjetne concluded.