Offshore staff
NEUILLY, France – Bureau Veritas (BV) has experienced a 900% increase in demand for remote inspection of offshore assets and equipment, as businesses seek to protect personnel against the COVID-19 virus.
The company has implemented various remote inspection solutions for operators and oilfield service groups.
Inspections and verification help offshore operators comply with legislation and ensure continued efficiency of their assets and equipment. BV staff can perform these services remotely onshore, limiting the need for close contact offshore and reducing the need for travel.
The company, working with clients, has identified which inspections can be performed remotely and which cannot to help operators and oilfield service companies plan for the year ahead.
If physical inspection cannot be avoided, BV offers a technical and safety assessment to support a reduction and/or elimination of risk at the site.
Paul Shrieve, vice president Offshore & Services, said: “Customers have been considering using remote inspection as an alternative way to meet the requirements of the Offshore Safety Directive (OSD) for some time. However, since the start of this year demand has greatly increased. It is no longer a want but a need.”
Other advantages are said to include reductions in personnel risk, time and cost by eliminating travel to client premises and helicopter travel to offshore installations; fewer on-site inspections; reduced accommodation requirements; and instant accessibility to a broad spectrum of specialists qualified to perform the requested task.
BV’s remote inspection services have been reviewed by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service, which provides an assurance for duty holders in meeting the OSD requirements concerning remotely-inspected mobile equipment onboard an installation.
Shell U.K.is one of the users.
05/11/2020
