Off Shore Operations Meets Space Age Technology

Space technology and off shore operations may not be as far apart as one would think. Both environments do have some common factors such as remote locations and extreme environments. Companies are always increasing technological advances in order to make these environments safer and easier to work in. There have been a number of advancements in space age technology that could be making their way to the off shore industry. Through research and development space-based materials and technologies could benefit offshore operations making them more efficient and safer.

Space age materials and techniques that withstand the extreme environment in space could be used to with stand deep-sea ocean pressures and provide corrosion resistant metals. Sensors used by planetary tools and robotic technology could increase the accuracy and speed of underwater construction and maintenance.

The oil and gas company Schlumberger, in cooperation with SCYSIS and ESA have already tested satellite-based software during a live trial. The software developed by SciSys’ APEX (automated procedure execution) is a tool that allows for automation of spacecraft testing and operations. Many tasks on oilrigs could benefit from the same type of automation.

So far the software has been successfully tested with drill operators in both UK and US research centers as well as one trial on a live oilrig. The potential of space technology and its applications for the offshore industry in improving operations and safety has been gaining momentum. In 2009 the first Space and Energy conference was held in Norway at Statoil’s headquarters. More than 70 companies took part and there are now plans to make the conference an annual event in order to discuss technology transfer between the two sectors