Saipem unveils subsea technology for maintenance and inspections

Saipem has developed all-electric autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for subsea applications, inspections, maintenance and debris removal. Its Hydrone programme is designing and manufacturing a fleet of underwater drones able to work in complete autonomy in water depths down to 3,000 m.

So far, three types have been introduced: FlatFish, which specialises in wide-range inspection missions; Hydrone-R, used for local inspections and interventions; and Hydrone-W, the most powerful version, which is available for critical operations such as closing emergency valves in case of anomalies.

These drones use artificial intelligence to help undertake complex inspection and intervention missions, and can operate underwater for extended periods up to 12 months, alternating 12 hours of work with 12 hours of recharging at charging stations positioned on the seabed. It is also equipped with a remote-control system, designed by Saipem, for maintaining and inspecting underwater units and lifting loads of over 200 kg.