Aker successfully tests autonomous drone inspection offshore

Norway

STAVANGER, June 2, 2025 – Engineering and technology provider Aker Solutions has successfully completed the first offshore beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone inspection from shore on Aker BP’s Edvard Grieg platform in the North Sea, the companies announced on Monday.

The drone completed an inspection round collecting high-resolution images and data. Monitoring tests during the procedure confirmed the system’s capabilities and yielded data to develop additional use cases and advance towards full operational deployment.

The so-called resident drone system consists of a drone docking station and supporting infrastructure on the platform, and software systems and a control room onshore in Stavanger. Its capabilities include airspace and AIS monitoring and two-way communication with platform personnel.

Edvard Grieg field is located in the Utsira High area of the central North Sea, approximately 180 kilometres west of Stavanger.

“We believe autonomous drones will revolutionise how inspection and maintenance are performed in the energy industry. Permanently deploying a drone on an oil platform, combined with robotics, AI, and digital technologies, takes offshore maintenance to a new level, improving safety, reducing costs and increasing efficiency across offshore asset management,” said Anja Dyb, senior vice-president of life cycle services at Aker Solutions.

According to the company’s estimates, autonomous drones can reduce inspection costs by up to 70% and significantly reduce inspection times compared to manually operated drones.