FORCE Technology Norway AS revolutionizes subsea pipeline maintenance with remote inspections, cutting costs, reducing environmental impact, and boosting efficiency for underwater repairs.

The current method of deploying teams of engineers to offshore locations alongside our equipment is well established, but the approach demands extensive travel and logistical coordination, often involving weeks of effort. As Espen Elvheim Director of Department of Advanced Inspection, at FORCE Technology explains, “We can easily have three engineers preparing the equipment here in the workshop, then perhaps traveling to Asia or Australia. There is a week of traveling back and forth, plus two weeks offshore.”

Reducing air travel

While effective, it is clear that financial and environmental benefits can be achieved with less travelling. Which is why FORCE Technology is developing a remote inspection service that eliminates the need for our own experts to be on site. Leveraging satellite connectivity and strategic local partnerships, advanced inspection tools are sent directly to clients or their partners. Local engineers operate the equipment, while FORCE Technology’s specialists analyse the data remotely. “We connect to the computer on board the vessel remotely using satcom,” Espen says. “This allows us to focus on what we see as our core business: evaluating inspection data and building reports.”

By shifting the mechanical aspects of the operation to local engineers, FORCE Technology can reduce the costs associated with deploying engineers from Norway or Europe for extended periods, savings which can be seen in the overall cost to the end-client. Moreover, this approach aligns with our commitment to sustainability by cutting back on flights and the associated carbon footprint. Espen states that, “The real benefit here is the cost and environmental impact of not having flights for several engineers.”

Data is key

At the heart of this transformation is FORCE Technology’s expertise in data analysis and reporting. Clients increasingly value inspection reports and actionable insights over the physical presence of engineers on-site. Espen underscores the shift, noting, “Inspection reports are what clients value most – they don’t necessarily need our guys on the vessel with a wrench.”

To further streamline operations, there is presently an R&D focus on how our advanced testing equipment is packaged, shipped and installed. Currently, the equipment requires assembly and testing by an expert before deployment, but we are working to simplify the process. According to Espen, “Our goal is to make it plug-and-play, so local partners can deploy the systems seamlessly, making advanced inspection a truly remote service.” This development will enable global scalability, with potential for systems to be positioned strategically in regions such as Southeast Asia, Australia, West Africa and the Middle East.

A step change

While the remote inspection service is still in its early phases, it has already proven its potential. FORCE Technology has completed a remote inspection project with a partner in Southeast Asia who are now actively pursuing new contracts for the service. And although Espen acknowledges that the transition to remote services involves challenges, he sees it as a necessary evolution. “It’s a long process… but it will be a step change in how this kind of inspection works,” he says.

By embracing innovative technology and fostering global collaboration, FORCE Technology is redefining the way subsea inspections are conducted. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also helps clients meet their environmental and cost-reduction goals. As Espen succinctly puts it, “In a much more connected world, our value is in the data we enable.” With remote inspections set to become a cornerstone of our services, FORCE Technology is well-positioned to lead the industry into a more sustainable and efficient future.