mini robots clean platforms underwater

1 min read | august 20, 2024

Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) like this one can eliminate some of the dangers associated with having divers remove marine growth from platforms. They can also save money and time.

Last fall, Gopal Kothari packed his bags and flew across the world on a unique mission.

His assignment? To determine whether a mini ROV (remotely operated vehicle) traditionally used to clean fishing vessels could be used on Chevron Thailand’s offshore assets.

The test was conducted in collaboration with the company’s Thailand Business Unit. It showed that mini ROVs—equipped with a patented washing module—can be safer, faster and easier to use for clearing damaging marine growth from subsea structures.

“To see cleaning mini ROVs in action on oil and gas assets was extremely satisfying,” said Kothari, a Chevron technology deployment and adoption manager.

“I was really impressed by this technology that can keep our people safe while delivering high performance.”

gopal kothari
technology deployment and adoption manager

dive deeper

Marine growth on subsea structures adds unnecessary weight, and it damages coatings that protect against corrosion.

Bravo Marine, a Norwegian startup, is the developer of the mini ROV that’s used for removing unwanted marine growth from subsea structures. It has partnered with Chevron to deploy this solution.

why it matters

Traditionally, teams of divers equipped with high-pressure water jets have cleaned underwater platform structures. However, this method poses health and safety risks and can be time-consuming.

“Deploying the mini ROV will minimize the use of divers for marine growth cleaning and keep personnel safer,” Kothari said.

how it works

Workers place the mini ROV in a metal basket before submerging it.

This approach to cleaning underwater platform structures involves two mini ROVs: one to film the cleaning process and one to do the scrubbing. The first mini ROV films and transmits the visuals to a person aboard the platform, who uses a remote-control device to direct the cleaning mini ROV.

During cleaning, the mini ROV’s flexible arms latch onto the platform structure. Each arm features a rotating disk, or scraper, for scrubbing off growth, along with four high-pressure nozzles.

“Rotating disks, along with high-pressure nozzles, remove marine growth at double the efficiency of traditional methods,” Kothari said.