Australian-based Woodside Energy Group recently achieved a significant milestone by completing its first-ever remote subsea inspection in the United States. This innovative approach not only enhances safety but also reduces costs and improves operational efficiency.

Revolutionizing Subsea Inspections

The remote subsea inspection campaign, initiated in late May and ongoing, represents a groundbreaking shift in traditional inspection practices in the Gulf of Mexico. By leveraging remote technology, Woodside has minimized the exposure of personnel to hazardous offshore environments, thereby enhancing safety measures.

Principal Integrity Engineer Charina Choochert emphasized the importance of transitioning to remote subsea inspections, stating, “Enhancing safety, reliability, and operational efficiency through tasks like equipment inspection and maintenance is paramount. We are excited about the significant progress we have made in subsea integrity management through remote inspections.”

Collaboration for Success

Woodside collaborated with contractor Wood to implement the remote subsea inspection and Underwater Inspection In Lieu of Drydocking campaigns. This partnership has revolutionized data collection and analysis processes, enabling real-time review of inspection videos for prompt anomaly detection and response.

Choochert highlighted the efficiency gains achieved through the new system, noting, “The ability to review live recordings, identify anomalies, and take immediate action represents a significant leap forward. Real-time re-inspections and daily tracking of findings have revolutionized our approach to inspection management.”

Regulatory Endorsement and Industry Leadership

Regulators such as the American Bureau of Shipping have endorsed Woodside’s remote inspection initiatives, underscoring the industry’s support for innovative approaches to subsea inspections. The approval of remote inspections by ABS in the U.S. marks a milestone for Woodside and sets a new standard for operators in the Gulf.

Frontline engineering team lead Robert Boothby expressed pride in Woodside’s leadership in adopting remote inspection practices, stating, “This initiative aligns with our commitment to world-class operations focused on safety, efficiency, and performance. The progress made over the past two decades is truly remarkable, showcasing the potential for enhanced operations in the industry.”

Continued Collaboration and Progress

Operations manager Jim Siercks commended the collaborative efforts between Woodside and Wood in further reducing risks, improving inspection quality, and accelerating remediation cycles. The ongoing commitment to innovation and teamwork has driven continuous improvement in subsea inspection practices.