A Marine class accredited inspection with a mini ROV of an FPSO Ballast Tank on an offshore FPSO.

ROV Ballast Tank Inspection

Vertech performed unmanned ROV ballast tank inspections on an offshore FPSO. We completed all 14 ballast tanks in a 3-week campaign, satisfying the class society and client, saving them several months of additional work. This innovative Asset-deployed ROV service removes the need for ballasting, isolation, initial entries, and human intervention, driving significant cost, time, and resource reductions while improving safety by removing confined space entry.

Our group company, Geo Oceans, is a specialist provider of ROV and mini-inspection services, developing asset-deployed ROV technology to provide clients with reliable, safe, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional manned inspection, commercial diving, or work-class ROV inspection services.

Geo Oceans regularly use this cutting-edge technology to complete Lloyds Register (LR), Bureau Veritas (BV), American Bureau Shipping (ABS) and Det Norse Veritas (DNV) marine class scopes using facility deployed inspection systems for many of the largest oil and gas operators.

Water Ballast and COT Tanks

A VLBV Mini ROV with the CSS marine inspection tooling is mounted to conduct ballast tank inspections on an FPSO.

Utilising advanced ROV inspection technologies and CVI methods, we conduct tank inspections with attending Class surveyors to meet the specific Class requirements of each asset.

Thickness Measurement location sketches can be provided detailing the areas of the test for each structure requiring ultrasonic thickness measurements (UTM). All UTM readings are recorded on the relevant systems by the requirements of the Classification Society. All UTM readings and wastage allowances are automatically calculated in the TM template.

Drawing on our extensive and successful track record in Ballast and Cot tank inspections and ongoing maintenance works, Geo Oceans uses our specialised suite of data and document management tools to support project delivery through every stage of the project management lifecycle.

Head to Geo Oceans’ Marine Class section to see some great examples.

The Benefits of Our Asset Deployed ROV Inspection System Include:

A Digital twin of an FPSO stiffener’s corrosion build from Mini ROV photogrammetry.
  • Eliminates the need for support vessels
  • Rapid and low-cost mobilization by air freight anywhere in the world
  • Subsea conventional and advanced NDT
  • Specialist cleaning capability for hulls, chains, risers, and water ballast tanks
  • Removes the need for divers and dive support vessels
  • Eliminates manned entry into confined spaces
  • Zero or reduced downtime - optimizing operating limits
  • No requirement to dewater ballast tanks
  • Improved data quality and repeatability with HD video and other data recorded in Digital Edge System
  • Significant reduction in carbon emissions

SPEAK TO VERTECH GROUP ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT

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An ROV is inspecting a tank wall.
An ROV is inspecting a tank wall.
An ROV is inspecting a tank wall.
An ROV is floating in the water as part of an inspection procedure.
An ROV is submerged into a tank to begin carrying out testing duties.
The image displays a 3D render of a structural support exhibiting significant corrosion. The metal surface is patchy with flaking rust and discolouration areas, ranging from dark grey to brown, and hints of the original paint in places. The visible deterioration suggests material degradation due to environmental factors. The text "Support Corrosion" indicates that the purpose of the image is likely for assessment and documentation of the damage to the structure's integrity. The background is out of focus, emphasizing the corrosion on the metal element in the foreground.
This image was taken within a ship's ballast tank, with a prominent thick pipe running horizontally across the frame. It's fitted with large bolted flanges, indicative of high-pressure capacity. Auxiliary pipes and metal supports surround the main pipe, while cables and conduits are neatly organised along the wall in the background. The scene is illuminated by artificial lighting, casting a greenish hue over the metal surfaces, which are coated with paint or protective layers showing signs of wear. The overall setting suggests an environment focused on utility and function, which are characteristics of a facility like a ship's interior or industrial plant.
The image shows a dimly lit industrial interior viewed through a round hatch opening. Inside, we see a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with bright lights and a patterned design suspended in water, indicating underwater operations, possibly for inspection or repair. Yellow cables connected to the ROV extend out of the hatch, contrasting with the structure's dark waters and rusted metal surfaces. A beam of light penetrates the water from the ROV's lamp, illuminating the murky surroundings. The scene captures a moment of technical marine operation, highlighting the interaction of technology and the challenging aquatic environment.
The image shows a close-up view of a round metal hatch with a heavily rusted and bolted flange on a structure that appears industrial, possibly part of a vessel or tank. The dimly lit interior is partially visible through the hatch, featuring more rust and metal framework, indicating an aging or long-used facility. A yellow cable extends through the hatch to an ROV, suggesting ongoing work or inspection activity. The photograph captures the weathered textures of the metal and the contrast between the dark inner environment and the brighter exterior.
An ROV is inspecting a tank wall.loading=
An ROV is inspecting a tank wall.loading=
An ROV is floating in the water as part of an inspection procedure.loading=
An ROV is submerged into a tank to begin carrying out testing duties.loading=
The image displays a 3D render of a structural support exhibiting significant corrosion. The metal surface is patchy with flaking rust and discolouration areas, ranging from dark grey to brown, and hints of the original paint in places. The visible deterioration suggests material degradation due to environmental factors. The text "Support Corrosion" indicates that the purpose of the image is likely for assessment and documentation of the damage to the structure's integrity. The background is out of focus, emphasizing the corrosion on the metal element in the foreground.loading=
This image was taken within a ship's ballast tank, with a prominent thick pipe running horizontally across the frame. It's fitted with large bolted flanges, indicative of high-pressure capacity. Auxiliary pipes and metal supports surround the main pipe, while cables and conduits are neatly organised along the wall in the background. The scene is illuminated by artificial lighting, casting a greenish hue over the metal surfaces, which are coated with paint or protective layers showing signs of wear. The overall setting suggests an environment focused on utility and function, which are characteristics of a facility like a ship's interior or industrial plant.loading=
The image shows a dimly lit industrial interior viewed through a round hatch opening. Inside, we see a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with bright lights and a patterned design suspended in water, indicating underwater operations, possibly for inspection or repair. Yellow cables connected to the ROV extend out of the hatch, contrasting with the structure's dark waters and rusted metal surfaces. A beam of light penetrates the water from the ROV's lamp, illuminating the murky surroundings. The scene captures a moment of technical marine operation, highlighting the interaction of technology and the challenging aquatic environment.loading=
The image shows a close-up view of a round metal hatch with a heavily rusted and bolted flange on a structure that appears industrial, possibly part of a vessel or tank. The dimly lit interior is partially visible through the hatch, featuring more rust and metal framework, indicating an aging or long-used facility. A yellow cable extends through the hatch to an ROV, suggesting ongoing work or inspection activity. The photograph captures the weathered textures of the metal and the contrast between the dark inner environment and the brighter exterior.loading=
ROV Ballast Tank Inspection Case Study
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