Remote Drone Inspections Begin on North Sea Oil Platform

Aker Solutions has deployed autonomous drone technology for offshore energy operations, marking a breakthrough in remote inspection capabilities.

The company has successfully completed the first offshore Beyond Visual Line of Sight drone flight from its onshore control center in Stavanger, Norway. This inspection mission was carried out using a permanently installed drone aboard Aker BP’s Edvard Grieg platform in the North Sea, demonstrating a fully integrated system capable of conducting regular, remote operations with minimal human intervention.

The autonomous drone is equipped with advanced navigation systems and a suite of high-resolution sensors that enable precise data collection and visual documentation during inspection rounds. This technology delivers consistent, repeatable image and video capture, allowing for accurate tracking of asset condition over time. By detecting signs of wear, corrosion, or other anomalies at an early stage, the system supports proactive maintenance planning and helps prevent costly equipment failures.

Anja Dyb, SVP Life Cycle Services at Aker Solutions, said, “We believe autonomous drones will revolutionize how inspection and maintenance are performed in the energy industry. Permanently deploying a drone on an oil platform — combined with robotics, AI, and digital technologies takes offshore maintenance to a new level, improving safety, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency across offshore asset management.”

The Edvard Grieg deployment includes a dedicated offshore docking station and all necessary infrastructure to support drone operations. Onshore, Aker Solutions has developed sophisticated software platforms and a dedicated control room that oversees all flights. The solution incorporates real-time airspace and AIS monitoring, two-way communications with the platform’s Helicopter Landing Officer, aviation management systems, and platform leadership.

Thomas Øvretveit, Director of Operations at Aker BP, said, “Aker BP’s operational strategy is based on the assumption that robotics and drones will be an integral part of observation, inspection and task executions offshore. These technologies will operate autonomously or remotely, either on-site or from land. The successful remote-controlled offshore drone operation at the Edvard Grieg platform, executed by Aker Solutions, is an important milestone for Aker BP as well.”

Joachim Hovland, Head of Drones and Robotics, added, “We estimate that autonomous drones can reduce inspection costs by up to 70% and deliver detailed insights within hours — a process that traditionally takes days with manual drone operations.”

This achievement aligns with Aker Solutions’ broader digitalization strategy, which emphasizes the integration of autonomous systems, machine learning, and robotics to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

The company is focused on transforming offshore inspection workflows, improving project execution, and building a digitally capable organization underpinned by strong data and software expertise. Autonomous drones represent a key enabler in this transformation, paving the way for smarter and more sustainable offshore energy operations.