In the rapidly evolving landscape of offshore energy, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for optimizing efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring the safety of operations. As we step into 2024, the industry witnesses a transformative wave propelled by innovative technologies designed to redefine the way offshore surveys are conducted. In this article, we will delve into three groundbreaking technologies that promise to revolutionize offshore surveys in 2024: Real-Time Streaming, Audio Rooms, and the eagerly anticipated Rayfin Single Channel Inspection Suite (Rayfin SCI).

1. Real-Time Streaming

Real-Time Streaming from SubC Imaging is at the forefront of transforming offshore surveys in 2024. This innovative solution offers a seamless and instantaneous connection between on-site activities and remote operation centers (ROCs), setting a new standard for efficiency and collaboration in the offshore energy sector.

One of the standout features of Real-Time Streaming is its low-latency precision, providing operators with extremely responsive control over uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), electrical remotely operated vehicles (eROVs), and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The technology ensures that remote operations mimic the immediacy of on-site maneuvers, offering a level of control that was previously only achievable through physical presence.

In addition to its precision, Real-Time Streaming addresses the crucial need for a stable and uninterrupted online connection. By virtually eliminating dropouts in connectivity, this technology guarantees uninterrupted data streaming during inspections and assessments, adding a layer of reliability to the entire offshore operation.

What sets Real-Time Streaming apart is its global collaboration capabilities, enabling multiple teams across different locations to access and monitor live data streams in real time. This distributed accessibility ensures that stakeholders worldwide can actively contribute to decision-making processes, fostering a collaborative and interconnected approach to offshore surveys.

Beyond its immediate operational advantages, Real-Time Streaming proves to be a cost-effective solution, offering financial viability over conventional inspection methods. Its adaptability and potential for integration with evolving technologies make it not just a current operational improvement but a future-ready investment for offshore energy service providers.

Real-Time Streaming’s capability was put to the test in a groundbreaking project by Fugro, a global leader in geotechnical, survey, subsea, and geoscience services. The world's first fully remote inspection of offshore wind farm assets was successfully conducted, setting a significant milestone for the offshore wind energy sector.

Fugro faced a considerable challenge in enabling remote operations of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) paired with electrical remotely operated vehicles (eROVs). The key requirements included low-latency communication, reliability in online connection, distributed accessibility for global collaboration, and cost-effectiveness. SubC Imaging provided the solution with Real-Time Streaming, offering extremely low-latency video, audio, and data transmission. This technology allowed operators to control the USV remotely with an unparalleled sense of immediacy, ensuring a stable and uninterrupted online connection for inspections. The distributed accessibility feature enabled multiple teams across different locations to monitor live data streams in real time, fostering a collaborative approach.

2. Audio Rooms

Communication is the lifeline of any offshore operation, and SubC’s Audio Rooms has emerged as another vital technology to enhance offshore surveys in 2024. Audio Rooms offers a low-latency, user-friendly, and effective solution for ship-to-shore audio communications. 

At the heart of Audio Rooms is its ultra-low bandwidth and ultra-low latency, delivering high-fidelity audio communication. This feature ensures that offshore teams experience crystal-clear two-way communication, even in the most remote locations. The streamlined software download and plug-and-play installation of Audio Rooms make it a hassle-free addition to existing vessel networks. Its multi-user functionality and compatibility with virtually any Bluetooth headset empower offshore teams to communicate effortlessly, regardless of the devices they use. This adaptability ensures that the technology integrates seamlessly into diverse operational setups.

Audio Rooms' wireless communication capabilities simplify and streamline communication processes, allowing for efficient collaboration and coordination among team members. The high-fidelity audio ensures that messages are clear and reliable, even in the midst of challenging offshore conditions. This technology directly enhances the communication capabilities of offshore teams, contributing to safer and more efficient operations.

Designed with the offshore industry's specific needs in mind, Audio Rooms is not just a communication tool but a strategic asset. Its ability to upgrade offshore communication capabilities enables smooth remote operations, aligning perfectly with the industry's commitment to safety and efficiency.

The real-world application of Audio Rooms is exemplified in its role in Fugro's milestone project – the world's first fully remote inspection of offshore wind farm assets. By providing a reliable and efficient communication channel, Audio Rooms facilitated live streaming of video, audio, and data from the operation directly to Fugro's remote operations center in Aberdeen. This real-time data accessibility empowered staff to make well-informed, timely decisions concerning their asset maintenance program.

The benefits of Audio Rooms are not confined to this specific case study; they extend to any offshore operation where effective communication is paramount. The user-friendly nature of the technology, along with its compatibility and seamless integration with Real-Time Streaming, positions Audio Rooms as a cornerstone for efficient and collaborative offshore surveys.

3. Coming Soon: Rayfin Single Channel Inspection (Rayfin SCI)

As we look forward to Spring 2024, the offshore energy sector eagerly anticipates the launch of the Rayfin Single Channel Inspection system (Rayfin SCI). This innovative technology promises to be a complete end-to-end single-channel live inspection suite, combining software and hardware for comprehensive inspections and surveys. With a single interface, operators can control cameras, lights, and lasers, while collecting and overlaying all footage and sensor data in real-time.

Rayfin SCI addresses key pain points experienced by offshore energy service providers and operators. For those grappling with the complexity of using multiple software applications for underwater inspections, Rayfin SCI streamlines the workflow into a single, user-friendly interface. The technology eliminates the need for downloading media after inspections, offering real-time topside media and data transfer. The automated organization of data, images, and video in a customizable file structure further enhances efficiency.

One of the standout features of the system is its Rayfin RDI (Rapid Digital Imaging) capability with an adjustable capture rate of up to 2Hz. This ensures faster inspections with greater accuracy, addressing concerns related to visibility in challenging underwater conditions. The integration of camera, LED, and laser controls simplifies system integration with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), providing operators with a centralized and streamlined approach.

Rayfin SCI not only offers immediate access to images, video, and data topside but also contributes to time and cost savings. The system automatically logs all incoming data, including date and time stamping, GPS, and sensor information, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing human resources time and costs.

For offshore energy service providers, Rayfin SCI presents an ideal solution with scalability in mind. The product's future releases are expected to include additional capabilities such as eventing and dive plans, and multi-channel functionality, ensuring adaptability to evolving industry needs.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Offshore Surveys

As we navigate through 2024, Real-Time Streaming, Audio Rooms, and the upcoming Rayfin SCI are at the forefront of transforming offshore surveys. These technologies not only address current challenges but also pave the way for a more efficient, collaborative, and environmentally conscious offshore energy sector. Embracing these technologies is not just a step forward; it's a leap into a new era of offshore operations.