Reducing Operational Costs in Offshore Inspections
Source: Sustainable Ship and Offshore Recycling Program team, Hong Kong Convention
Every dollar counts in the offshore energy and marine industries. Reducing operational costs has become crucial for companies striving to boost efficiency and sustainability. One game-changing strategy is the integration of advanced technology into underwater inspections. This approach doesn’t just promise cost savings—it delivers them by streamlining workflows, enhancing data management, and simplifying system integration. The result? Organizations can achieve significant savings while upholding the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. This article explores how technology integration can reduce operational costs in offshore inspections and the key strategies for implementing these solutions effectively.
The Challenge of Current Inspection Workflows
Source: Gulf of Mexico Deep Sea Habitats Expedition, NOAA/OAR/OER
Traditional underwater inspections often involve complex workflows that require multiple software applications and hardware systems. For instance, operators frequently juggle between separate control software for cameras, lighting, and data recording, leading to redundancy, confusion, and increased training requirements. This fragmented approach not only hampers efficiency but also drives up operational costs due to prolonged inspection times and the need for additional personnel.
Downloading and organizing media post-inspection is also a time-consuming and resource-intensive task. Extended ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) power-on sessions for media transfer, coupled with manual data matching and linking, further escalate costs. In challenging underwater conditions, issues such as poor visibility and subpar image quality add to the operational burden, necessitating repeated inspections and additional equipment.
Streamlined Workflows with Integrated Systems
One of the most effective ways to reduce operational costs is by integrating multiple functions into a single, user-friendly system. The Rayfin Single Channel Inspection (SCI) system exemplifies this approach. By combining the control of cameras, lights, and lasers into a single interface, Rayfin SCI eliminates the need for multiple software applications, reducing redundancy and simplifying the user experience.
This streamlined workflow significantly enhances operational efficiency. Operators can control all inspection equipment from a single interface, minimizing the time spent switching between different software. The result is a more cohesive and efficient inspection process, leading to faster project completion times and reduced labor costs. Read more about streamlining visual inspections.
Real-Time Data Transfer and Efficient Data Handling
50%
Saved post-processing time with Rayfin SCI
Another critical factor in cost reduction is the ability to handle data efficiently. Traditional methods of media transfer involve lengthy download times and extensive post-inspection organization, which can be both time-consuming and costly. The Rayfin SCI system addresses this issue with real-time topside media and data transfer capabilities.
With the Rayfin SCI system, data, images, and videos are immediately accessible topside, eliminating the need for prolonged ROV power-on sessions. This not only saves energy costs but also reduces wear and tear on equipment. The system automatically organizes data into a customizable file structure, streamlining post-inspection data handling and reducing the need for manual intervention.
Automated data logging is another feature that enhances efficiency. The Rayfin SCI system logs all incoming data, including date, time, GPS, and sensor information, in real time. This automation reduces the workload on human resources and minimizes the risk of errors, leading to more accurate and reliable data collection.
“The Rayfin SCI software from SubC Imaging has been a game-changer for Ocean Ecology’s teams, cutting our post-survey processing times by at least half, and even more for larger projects. The efficiency it offers is unparalleled, making it an invaluable tool for our survey operations.”
Improved Visibility and Image Quality
Poor visibility and subpar image quality in underwater inspections often necessitate repeated inspections, driving up operational costs. Rayfin SCI addresses these challenges with advanced imaging technology. The system features Rayfin RDI (Rapid Digital Imaging) with an adjustable capture rate of up to 2Hz, providing high-quality 12-megapixel stills even in challenging conditions. Wood optimized its offshore asset inspections with SubC Imaging’s Rayfin RDI technology, achieving faster, cost-effective, and higher-quality results. Read the case study now.
Enhanced image quality reduces the need for repeated inspections, saving both time and resources. Additionally, live video image enhancement capabilities further improve visibility, allowing operators to capture clear and detailed footage on the first pass.
Seamless System Integration
Source: Oceaneering
Effective system integration is crucial for reducing operational costs. Rayfin SCI offers fully integrated camera, LED, and laser controls, ensuring seamless compatibility with existing ROV, drop, or tow systems. This integration simplifies the inspection process, reducing the need for additional equipment and extensive training.
A user-friendly interface is another advantage of Rayfin SCI. By reducing the complexity of the inspection process, the system minimizes the training required for operators, leading to quicker adoption and more efficient operations. This ease of use translates to lower training costs and improved productivity.
Source: National Wildlife Federation
Future-Ready Solutions
Investing in technology that can adapt to evolving needs is essential for long-term cost savings. Rayfin SCI is designed with scalability in mind, offering feedback-driven updates and additional capabilities in future releases. Adding features ensures that the system remains relevant and effective as operational requirements change.
Conclusion
Reducing operational costs in offshore inspections is a multifaceted challenge that requires innovative solutions. By integrating advanced technology into inspection workflows, companies can streamline operations, enhance data management, and improve system integration. Rayfin SCI exemplifies how these advancements can lead to significant cost savings, enabling organizations to maintain high standards of efficiency and accuracy in their underwater inspections.
