Stand Alone Subsea Instrumentation System for hydrocarbon leak detection

Prosjektet utviklet en frittstående undervannsinstrumenteringsplattform for lekkasjedeteksjon og miljøovervåking med mål om implementering i offshore olje- og gassindustrien i både Norge og Brasil. Systemet løser eksisterende begrensninger knyttet til strømhåndtering og databehandling. Nåværende utfordring som adresseres Olje- og gassindustrien er avhengig av kablet infrastruktur som benytter strøm fra plattformer eller fartøy, samt tilhørende informasjonssystemer for kontroll. Endringer i disse systemene er kostbare og skaper konflikter med eksisterende utstyr. De norske reguleringene for olje- og gassutvinning inkluderer krav om både undervanns lekkasjedeteksjon og miljøovervåking og -kartlegging, noe den eksisterende infrastrukturen ikke er designet for å støtte. Prosjektet utvidet den nyeste teknologien, spesielt innen lagret energi og undervannskommunikasjonsteknologi, for å muliggjøre implementering av aktiv akustisk lekkasjedeteksjon og miljøovervåking på en mobil enhet. Denne enheten kan brukes i og rundt eksisterende infrastruktur uten behov for kostbare modifikasjoner eller hensyn til eldre utstyr. Enheten er selvstendig og transportabel, og kan fraktes og opereres fra lette intervensjonsfartøy, noe som muliggjør rask og effektiv utplassering og gjenhenting. Enheten tilbyr undervanns lekkasjedeteksjon av olje og gass fra infrastruktur, samt miljøforholdene for å kartlegge og spore lekkasjer med tanke på opprydning. Miljøovervåkingsutstyret bidrar også til å etablere grunnlinjer og langsiktig overvåking av miljøforhold. Dette er essensielt for å spore effekter som tar år å manifestere seg, som klimaendringenes innvirkning på det marine miljøet.

The SASI project delivered a functional test unit designed to explore the feasibility of stand-alone subsea hydrocarbon leak detection and environmental monitoring in areas without existing infrastructure. The system integrated scanning sonar, fixed sonar, CTD sensors, ADCP, acoustic modems, and a rechargeable 36kWh battery pack. Through multiple test deployments in Norwegian fjords, the project collected valuable data under realistic oceanic conditions. Scientifically, the project generated important new insights into acoustic detection of subsea hydrocarbon releases. The testing revealed how ocean currents affect the dispersion of leak plumes, directly impacting the effectiveness of fixed sonar. While scanning sonar demonstrated detection capability, fixed sonar struggled with plume displacement—highlighting a key limitation in static sensing configurations. These findings advance the understanding of sonar behavior in dynamic marine environments and provide a foundation for further research in subsea acoustics, leak tracking, and environmental monitoring. Technologically, the project validated core components of the system under test conditions and identified critical design challenges. It developed innovative tools such as a modular leak simulator and incorporated lessons in electronics shielding, battery integration, and noise mitigation. Several integration challenges—such as interference from switching converters and hard drive sensitivity to vacuum testing—were addressed, offering design guidance for future iterations. Commercially, although not field-ready, the system has delivered design and operational knowledge directly relevant to the development of a deployable product. Key learnings are already being applied to Imenco’s ongoing development of the Wide Area Active Monitoring (WAAM) system. The SASI test unit represents an early-stage platform that supports the commercial roadmap for autonomous, infrastructure-independent monitoring solutions in offshore energy. Environmentally, the project contributes to improved strategies for early leak detection and supports long-term environmental monitoring efforts. The test unit’s sensor configuration can help establish ocean baselines and track changes in marine ecosystems, aligning with sustainability and regulatory goals. Organizationally, the project strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration and technical competence across sonar integration, mechanical design, and field testing. Internal knowledge has been captured and is actively informing future development projects. Dissemination activities include direct engagement with offshore industry stakeholders, participation in technical forums, and preparation of further publications. The outcomes are being shared to promote adoption and collaboration in developing robust subsea monitoring solutions.

The project will create a Stand Alone Subsea Instrumentation Platform for Leak Detection and Environmental Monitoring with an initial target implementation of the offshore oil and gas industry in both Norway and Brazil. This system will overcome existing limitations described below. Current Challenge to be addressed The oil and gas industry is dependent on cabled infrastructure utilizing power from platforms or vessels and associated information control systems. Modification of these systems is costly and creates conflicts with legacy equipment. The Norwegian regulations for oil and gas extraction includes requirements for both subsea leak detection and environmental monitoring and mapping which the existing infrastructure is not designed to support. It will use state-of-the-art technology from other industries, specifically stored energy and communications technology, to facilitate implementation of active acoustic leak detection and environmental monitoring on a movable unit which can be deployed in and around existing infrastructure without the need for costly modifications or concerns with legacy equipment. The unit will be self-contained and transportable on light intervention vessels enabling quick and efficient deployment and recovery. The main services the unit will provide is subsea leak detection of oil and gas from infrastructure as well as the environmental conditions to map and track it for clean-up. The environmental monitoring equipment will also serve to establish baselines and long-term tracking of environmental conditions. This is key to track effects that take years to happen such as climate change impact on the marine environment.