Seabyte Set New World Record In Subsea AUV Pipeline Tracking

SeeByte, a cutting edge software solutions company, recently carried out inshore operations using its innovative AutoTracker control software in the St. Margaret’s Hope area, Orkney, to test low-logistics autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to survey and inspect subsea pipelines.

The BP-sponsored trials successfully demonstrated the integration of the AutoTracker software to two-man-portable AUVs which are pre-programmed on the surface to carry out specific missions underwater, navigating using sonar and other sensors. Two-man-portable AUVs can be launched from vessels or shore by two personnel without the need for specialist cranes or lifting equipment. SeeByte was able to demonstrate greater flexibility and significant cost savings over current inspection technologies because the AUVs operated without the need for umbilical connections to a dedicated surface support vessel and could be launched from vessels of convenience or the shore.