Zupt began offshore trials in 2017 to implement remote metrology surveys using its C-PINS inertial navigation system. As drillships started conducting more jumper and spool metrologies, there were concerns about managing personnel on board, equipment logistics, and ensuring equipment readiness. Therefore, the shift towards remote metrology operations without deploying additional personnel to field sites was seen as a way to enhance efficiency and safety, with the bonus of reduced environmental impact. Zupt has had 100% success with 30+ remote surveys, and there have been no emergency offshore mobilizations to rectify operational downtime. This success translates into cost savings for clients, as Zupt's lumpsum remote metrology pricing model ensures predictable expenses.

The remote metrology procedure involves a few simple steps. Upon equipment arrival offshore, ROV personnel verify the packing case count against the manifest. The equipment is brought to the ROV deck days before the metrology operation for full system integration, ensuring reliable ROV and onshore communication. The day before the metrology, the ROV team gathers the CTD profile, assembles the C-PINS into lifting hardware, and attaches the stab. On the metrology day, the ROV team brings the system online. They check communications with Houston for ROV video, serial data (over ethernet), voice/phone, and data acquisition begins as if our personnel were sitting in the ROV control room with the pilots.

With offshore equipment interfacing handled by the ROV team, the onshore survey team can promptly initiate fabrication deliverables upon completion of the data acquisition with a deliverable to the client within 24 hours. Additionally, the known upfront cost of the metrology allows flexibility in the project schedule without being constrained by reducing day rates before and after the job.

The Benefits of Remote Metrology

• Lumpsum Cost: Remote metrology is a lumpsum cost, providing a generous fixed number of equipment days.
• Only Equipment Mobilized: Only the equipment is mobilized offshore, and no additional metrology personnel are needed. The equipment is mobilized well in advance of the metrology date and does not require urgent demobilization.
• Compact Equipment Spread: Equipment spread is compact and does not vary much based on operational conditions
• Real-time Data Acquisition: We complete data acquisition onshore in real-time with relatively low bandwidth requirements of 1024 KBPS. The offshore ROV team is provided with a detailed task plan and constantly communicates with the onshore team.

The advancement of technology is rapidly improving bandwidth availability and affordability, particularly with emerging satellite communication solutions such as Starlink, which signifies a positive trajectory for remote metrology services and enhances accessibility and reliability for clients.

Contact Zupt today to learn more about remote metrology services and how they can enhance your offshore operations.