Shell Deploys first Unmanned Survey Technology in Nigeria.
The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in Nigeria’s oil industry by completing the first-ever crewless survey, signaling a significant advancement in survey technology. The unmanned surface vessel (USV), Accession 500, conducted a non-stop 166-hour survey along a pipeline route near Bonny, generating real-time, high-quality data.
“We’re thrilled about the enhancements offered by this innovative survey approach,” remarked Steve Keedwell, SPDC’s Chief Surveyor and Head of Offshore Survey Operations. “Conventional surveys with onboard personnel are time-consuming, costly, and pose safety risks. The USV reduces human involvement, resulting in faster results with superior data quality.”
The adoption of unmanned surveys is in line with Shell’s global efforts to integrate this technology. The project, initiated in 2019, was expedited by COVID-19 restrictions on physical presence at work sites. Additionally, SPDC partnered with a local vendor, Compass Survey Ltd, to promote Nigerian content development.
Bonny was strategically chosen for the inaugural survey due to the shallow water depth in the landfall area, necessitating a vessel with minimal draft. An unmanned vessel mitigated health, safety, and environmental risks associated with operations in shallow waters.
“The Bonny deployment was highly successful,” affirmed Joshua Oriero, Project Manager at Compass Survey Ltd. “The team comprised pilots, surveyors, an engineer, data processors, and a remote operator for occasional intervention. The USV operated and received instructions remotely via a secure internet connection.”
The crewless survey also delivers significant environmental benefits. Compared to traditional vessels consuming 1,500 to 6,000 liters of diesel daily, the USV utilized less than 27 liters per day, drastically reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, the absence of human error during measurements and calibration enhances data accuracy.
While concerns about job displacement may arise, SPDC‘s General Manager of Nigerian Content Development, Lanre Olawuyi, remains hopeful. “Crewless surveys will generate new employment opportunities,” he noted. “The project has already trained a Nigerian remote operator, and as the technology expands, more jobs will emerge for engineers, data processors, online surveyors, USV maintenance personnel, and remote helmsmen.”
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SPDC acknowledges the need to address logistical challenges for future deployments, such as spare part availability, robust data management systems, and navigating fishing nets along survey routes. Nonetheless, the success of the Bonny project underscores the vast potential of unmanned surveys. With their superior data quality, safety, flexibility, and ease of deployment, this technology is poised to revolutionize oil industry surveys in Nigeria.
