Saipem is using ONS 2026 to highlight how autonomous subsea robotics are reshaping offshore inspection and intervention operations, showcasing its Flatfish and Hydrone-R underwater drones designed to perform long-duration missions while reducing reliance on support vessels.
Both vehicles are part of Saipem's Hydrone program, which combines autonomous navigation, artificial intelligence and subsea docking technology to enable continuous seafloor operations. The drones can operate in water depths up to 3,000 m and remain deployed for extended periods by alternating between mission activities and recharging cycles at subsea docking stations.
Flatfish is developed for autonomous advanced inspection missions and the Hydrone-R underwater drone was designed for inspection and intervention over several years offshore Norway.
Both can operate continuously on the seafloor for up to 12 months. These vehicles also can alternate between operational missions and recharging cycles at dedicated subsea docking stations. The technology is designed to reduce the need for support vessels and their associated CO2 emissions.
Also at the Saipem booth is a scale model of the semisubmersible drilling rig Scarabeo 8, currently supporting Aker BP's offshore operations in Norway. The rig can operate in varying water depths with dynamic positioning and anchoring, and it is designed to help eliminate discharges into the sea during operations.
Saipem is exhibiting at booth 9070 at the Offshore Northern Seas (ONS) event this week in Stavanger, Norway.
