Sustainable development using robot technology
Technology development is important for Aker BP. The company constantly works to achieve better and more efficient ways to accomplish its tasks.
Robot campaign
Together with the company Remotion, Aker BP has developed robots that can wash, water-jet, sandblast and paint the sides of ships in an operation that is both efficient and kind to the environment.
The technology was recently tested on a ship at Farsund. Aker BP plans further testing offshore on Alvheim this summer.
The robot will have to undergo extensive testing before it can be commercialised. Strict requirements apply for the system and it will have to be effective, considering both operations, performance and quality.
A smart concept can translate into benefits for the operator in the form of better HSE and improved efficiency.
– Sustainability is important for us. Robocoat collects all waste into containers on deck. Clean water is discharged to sea following a treatment process, and residuals are transported to shore for prudent waste management. This involves considerable volumes of microplastics and chemicals that could otherwise have ended up in the ocean, says Ingvill Bækø, project manager for Aker BP’s technology community.
Endurance
The project started with concept studies in the autumn of 2018. Since then, the companies have collaborated in a joint effort to develop a functional and useful robot, with the potential of improving a difficult manual work process as regards hull maintenance.
– It’s been a demanding project, with both ups and downs, both technically and practically, says Bækø.
– It’s been about not giving up, but rather resolving issues one by one. Innovation and technology development are demanding processes, and the result isn’t always good enough to commercialise the product.
Robots with jobs
Ingvill predicts that multiple robots will be introduced in the workplace in the years to come.
– We expect that robots will complete tasks faster and safer. The robots won’t take over or replace people, but they will be good tools that operators will use in their work, Ingvill explains.
Multiple exciting projects
Aker BP rarely develops technology on its own; we rely on suppliers to realise the projects.
– Now we’re working with skilled companies in several exciting technology development processes. This is a positive collaboration where we both need each other to succeed. Once the technology is qualified, it will be available to all operators on the market,” explains Thomas Bognø, VP for Concept Development and Technology at Aker BP.
– When operators and suppliers work together like this, they add to the toolbox, which will benefit multiple industries and contribute to sustainable industry in Norway, Thomas concludes.