Operational Adoption Challenges to USV/ROV Services

Abstract

A fully unmanned surface vessel/remotely operated vehicle (USV/ROV) system—controlled remotely from shore and providing inspection and light intervention services—could deliver many benefits during offshore operations including increased safety, cost effectiveness, and data quality. Development of an unmanned solution also faces many challenges in ensuring the system's fitness for purpose. System developers must address a range of inter-related issues including system reliability; operational risks and mitigations; monitoring and analyzing performance of key hardware system; safety policies; determination of required level of control for the many activities and failsafe functionalities; potential regulatory requirements; and a path to adoption that satisfies all stakeholders. Solutions to the challenges of unmanned operations must consider the operational philosophies, governance policies and risk tolerance of the many stakeholders because acceptance of such solutions are not always straightforward. Many of the component technologies of the unmanned system are available and proven, but new solutions also need to be developed. ROVs piloted from onshore control centers and operations by unmanned surface vessels are not uncommon today. With no personnel on board to resolve problems, reliability must be increased from current levels, failsafe autonomy and increased ROV/USV functionality must be included in the USV/ROV system. The system's design also must provide for safe transfer of people from a manned vessel to the USV in the event that troubleshooting and more extensive maintenance are required. This paper reviews these challenges based on performing a series of traditional analyses: concept of operation reviews defined key operational functions; hazard analyses identified potential failure modes and their respective mitigation; reliability assessments to understand the current level of reliability for USV and ROV systems and requirements for multi-day missions; current and pending regulations were reviewed to identify their impact on technical specifications and operational procedures.