Bright Prospect: Blue Lasers for the Deep Sea
are carried out at depths of several thousand meters. A new laser system based on blue diode lasers now promises a contact-free, low-maintenance, and cost-efficient solution for a wide range of underwater operations.Whether in the maintenance of offshore platforms, the decommissioning of old oil rigs, or the inspection of underwater structures, the demands for precision, efficiency, and environmental compatibility in subsea operations continue to increase. At the same time, conventional methods quickly reach their limits here. Common pressure-based processing methods, such as high-pressure water
X-Ray Devise Boosts Underwater Inspection Safety
innovation is being commercialized by industry partner The Sexton Corporation and won a 2025 R&D 100 Award for innovation.The new imaging platform, which has been field tested in ocean environments, could eventually be enhanced for inspecting ships and weld joints on bridge supports, pipelines and oil rigs
Windward Unveils AI Solution for Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection
designed to protect the world’s essential maritime infrastructure against growing threats.Windward’s Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection solution addresses three primary threats to maritime infrastructure, deep-sea research operations, shallow-water sabotage, and attacks on offshore oil rigs and platforms. The AI-powered solution monitors high-risk vessels to flag suspicious activities, be it a rogue state research vessel in the deep sea, or a shadow fleet vessel in shallow waters or in close proximity to oil rigs. The platform accesses historical data, behavioral patterns
Not All Underwater Reefs are Made of Coral
to learn which types of artificial reefs are best suited for enhancing habitat for particular sorts of fish.For example, we know that large predators that dwell in open water, such as jacks, barracuda and sharks, tend to prefer taller artificial reefs over shorter ones. This is similar to insights from oil rigs, showing that these vertical and complex structures are valuable fish habitat. More than 500 decommissioned oil rigs have been converted to reefs. Our calculation included only those that are managed by state artificial reef programs.Other structures in the water, such as offshore wind turbine foundation
UH Researchers Developing Electrochemical Oceanic Carbon Capture Technology
trajectory emphasizes systems without membranes for heightened efficiency.”One of the key advantages of this innovation is its versatility and scalability. The system can easily be integrated into existing onshore infrastructure, such as desalination plants, as well as offshore locations like oil rigs.“While eDOC won’t single-handedly turn the tide on climate change, it enriches our mitigation toolkit,” added Rahimi. “In this global challenge, every innovative approach becomes invaluable.&rdquo
Halliburton, Baker Hughes Beat Profit Estimates as International Demand Offsets Weak N. America
for oilfield services internationally, even as domestic activity stumbled. While oilfield drilling has seen a resurgence abroad, particularly in regions like the Middle East and Latin America, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, weaker oil and gas prices have forced U.S. shale producers to cut oil rigs. "Growing economic uncertainty continues to drive commodity price volatility globally... Market softness in North America is expected to be more than offset by strength in international and offshore markets," Baker Hughes chief executive officer Lorenzo Simonelli said in a statement
UK Defense Ministry Buys Offshore Construction Vessel for Subsea Cable, Pipelines Protection
face Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, that we prioritize capabilities that will protect our critical national infrastructure.The Topaz Tangaroa was selected to meet the requirements of the Royal Navy, having been built four years ago to support a mix of underwater operations, including work on oil rigs, construction, maintenance, and inspection work, as well as autonomous submarine operations.The 6,000-tonne vessel is equipped with a helipad, crane, and expansive working deck and features a ‘moon pool’ – a large access point in the underside of the hull through which submersible
Baker Hughes Finds US Drillers Add Most O&G Rigs Since April
oil prices prompt more drillers to return to the wellpad.The oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, rose 13 to 601 in the week to Jan. 14, its highest since April 2020, said Baker Hughes in its weekly report. The total count was up 228, or 61%, over this time last year.U.S. oil rigs rose 11 to 492 this week, their highest since April 2020, while gas rigs rose two to 109, their highest since March 2020. Specifically, the Eagle Ford in South Texas gained six rigs this week, the most of any basin, bringing its total to 50, its highest since April 2020. The Haynesville shale in
The Ocean's Microplastics Mess: Technology & Technique to Identify & Clean Up
; two to three times higher than what we’d found in past measurements.”In the Arctic snow, types of particles found included nitrile rubber, which is often used to make gaskets and hoses, and paints containing plastics, which are used to coat the surface of buildings, ships, cars and offshore oil rigs. In the ice floes, the scientists predominantly found similar paint particles and nylon waste from fishing nets.The question that remains is how these omnipresent particles impact living organisms.eXXpedition founder Emily Penn studying a sample. © Eleanor Church Lark Rise Pictures“Survival
February 2026
