L3 Technologies has announced that the C-Worker 7 autonomous surface vessel (ASV) successfully deployed, operated and recovered an inspection-class remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for vertical and horizontal subsea inspection during a proof of concept demonstration that took place over two weeks in Cawsand Bay, Plymouth, UK.

According to L3, the system has been developed for use in hazardous offshore environments for tasks such as jacket and hull inspections, as well as pipeline and cable survey in oil and gas and renewable energy applications.

“This demonstration is a key milestone in autonomous inspection subsea technology,” says James Cowles, commercial technical sales manager for L3 Unmanned Maritime Systems UK.

“Such game-changing autonomy can enable significant reductions in terms of cost and time spent at sea for both operators and ships.”

This demonstration occurred after phase one of the Autonomous Robotic Intervention System for Extreme Maritime Environments (ARISE) project was completed. Supported by BP, the project also involved the University of Exeter as an academic partner.

“BP continually looks at ways to take people out of hazardous environments, and the autonomous capability being developed by L3 Technologies can enable us to do that,” says Peter Collinson, senior subsea and environmental specialist, BP.

“The C-Worker 7 autonomous vessel, paired with an ROV, has a very significant potential to change the way subsea inspection tasks are carried out. It is an exciting time for the oil and gas industry. The technology is there – imagination is the only thing that can hold the industry back.”

Phase two of the project has started and is expected to lead to further development of the ROV launch and recovery capability, including additional proof of concept demonstrations.