Eni Norge, Statoil, Gdf Suez E&P Norge, OMV Norge and the Norwegian Coastal Administration have partnered with Aptomar on a new industry project to improve oil spill management.
All the parties will work to strengthen technology functionality and communication infrastructure for offshore oil spill detection and management systems.
The joint industry project (JIP), which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, will offer operators with various new functionalities and solutions in tactical oil spill management.
Aptomar will initially develop the functionality to provide remote control of the SECurus system, which the company describes as highly-advanced technology that is used to detect and combat oil spills.
The technology will allow onshore staff to help offshore crews performing oil spill monitoring and detection.
The project will also lead to the better integration of monitoring systems and information, including remotely operated vehicles, platform support vessels and fishing vessels, into Aptomar’s tactical collaboration and management system.
The partners intend to develop an offshore communication network, which will allow data to be shared between all assets involved in combating a spill without using base stations or satellites.
Plans also include the development of an oil spill combating programme, which will be integrated with a maritime simulator.
Aptomar CEO Lars Solberg said: “Traditionally, the oil spill segment has been somewhat product focused. This joint industry project takes a broader system approach to oil spill detection and management.
“The objective is to improve safety while reducing costs through improving technologies and utilising offshore assets more effectively.”