Aker BP and Aker Solutions complete first remote-controlled offshore drone flight 

Aker BP and Aker Solutions have reached a significant milestone in remotely controlling drones for offshore operations. The drone operation took place on Aker BP’s Edvard Grieg platform, while the drone operator controlled the mission from Aker Solutions’ control center in Jåttåvågen in Stavanger. 

Using technology to manage and monitor drone operations across locations, Aker Solutions carried out the first full drone operation using a so-called resident drone system on the Norwegian continental shelf. A resident drone system is stationed and partially integrated at a remote location—Edvard Grieg in this case—and maintains the drone while ensuring communication with the remote operator. This marks a major step toward autonomous offshore operations in our industry. 

“Aker BP’s operations strategy outlines that robotics and drones should be an integrated part of observation, inspection, and task execution offshore. These technologies should operate autonomously or be remotely controlled, either on-site or onshore. We are now demonstrating that this development is underway. By freeing up offshore accommodations to make room for new projects, we are shifting more tasks that can be done from onshore to exactly that. This builds on years of experience with remote operations, now with robotics and drones at the center,” said Thomas Øvretveit, SVP Operations, Aker BP.

Equipped with autonomous navigation and advanced sensors, the drone collected high-resolution images and data during its inspection rounds. Controlled from onshore, the flight sets a new standard for the use of robotics, AI, and digital technologies in offshore inspection and maintenance. In addition to confirming the system’s ability to perform safe operations, experience and data were gathered to further develop use cases and improve the system toward full operational deployment. 

“It’s no coincidence that we are now reaching milestones in operationalising technology in Aker BP Operations. Over the past few years, we have cultivated a set of strategic technology areas that have also been prioritized in terms of Research & Development funding. When we combine enthusiasm for new technology, strong vision and direction, and—most importantly—assets that roll up their sleeves, we have a lot in place to realize the potential of new technology. Through close collaboration with Aker Solutions, we have achieved remote-controlled drone operations. Together, we are taking an important step toward more autonomous and efficient offshore operations,” said Michelle Williams, Business Transformation Manager, Aker BP.