Saab Seaeye Falcon supporting Angola platform-reef inspections

Nov. 11, 2022

An oil production platform offshore Angola is undergoing decommissioning for new service as an artificial reef, following toppling onto its side.

Offshore staff

FAREHAM, UK — An oil production platform offshore Angola is undergoing decommissioning for new service as an artificial reef, following toppling onto its side.

Environmental quality services provider EQS is deploying a Saab Seaeye Falcon underwater robot deployed for the program.

Falcon is supporting the survey and mapping of the underwater components, including checking the wellhead, pipelines and surrounding marine environment.

Water and sediment samples taken at various locations and depths will provide baseline environmental conditions, with a focus on zooplankton, phytoplankton and benthos.

Marine growth is widespread throughout the structure. Following decommissioning, supervised by Angola’s Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, further surveys will monitor the evolution of marine growth on the newly created reef.

EQS chose the Seaeye Falcon for its ability to handle cameras, sensors, tooling and data gathering systems that include a digital multi-frequency profiling sonar.

The mission involves a multi-disciplinary team from different companies and sectors, such as marine biology, hydrographic surveys and quality inspectors.

Future work will include clearing an area of fish nets, restoring platform signaling and marking, positioning of signal buoys and confirming pipeline locations to monitor marine growth.