Aker BP Advances Offshore Autonomy with First Remote Drone Flight at Edvard Grieg Platform

Norwegian oil and gas company Aker BP has reached a pivotal milestone in its journey toward fully autonomous offshore operations with the successful completion of its first beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone mission at the Edvard Grieg platform in the North Sea. The drone flight was remotely piloted from Aker BP’s onshore control center in Stavanger, showcasing the growing role of digitalization in offshore energy operations.

This innovative inspection was carried out using an autonomous drone permanently stationed on the Edvard Grieg platform. Installed by Aker Solutions, the drone system enables frequent, remote inspections from land, significantly reducing the need for personnel to be physically present offshore.

Anja Dyb, SVP Life Cycle Services at Aker Solutions, stated:
“We believe autonomous drones will redefine the standards for offshore inspection and maintenance. Combining drone technology with robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital systems allows for safer, more cost-effective, and more efficient asset management offshore.”

Outfitted with advanced sensors and autonomous navigation capabilities, the drone gathers high-resolution imagery and data during inspection routines. Its deployment includes an integrated offshore docking station and essential support infrastructure to ensure stable operations under challenging marine conditions.

One often-overlooked yet critical component of such offshore automation is the use of high-performance industrial cables. These cables, designed to withstand harsh offshore environments, play a vital role in transmitting data, powering devices, and maintaining connectivity between onshore control systems and offshore platforms. For applications like drone docking stations and autonomous systems, cables must offer superior resistance to oil, moisture, UV exposure, and mechanical stress while maintaining stable performance over long distances. Shielded, low-loss cables are essential for minimizing electromagnetic interference, especially in high-data-rate environments like drone operation and AI-driven analysis.

Thomas Øvretveit, Director of Operations at Aker BP, emphasized:
“Our operational vision is built on the integration of robotics and drone technologies across offshore functions. These systems will increasingly function either autonomously or under remote supervision, both on-site and from shore.”

Supporting this strategy, Aker Solutions developed a comprehensive software ecosystem and control center onshore. This setup includes airspace and AIS (Automatic Identification System) monitoring, two-way communication with platform aviation management, and direct links to platform leadership. These capabilities ensure operational transparency and safety compliance for every drone mission.

By leveraging AI-powered analytics and autonomous flight precision, Aker BP is unlocking a new level of inspection accuracy. The system enables consistent data collection, including regularly captured images and videos of equipment. This facilitates early detection of wear, corrosion, and potential hazards — allowing timely maintenance and minimizing downtime.

Joachim Hovland, Head of Drones and Robotics at Aker BP, added:
“We project that autonomous drones could cut inspection costs by up to 70%. What previously took days with manual operations can now be accomplished in just hours, delivering greater insight and operational agility.”

In parallel with its drone advancements, Aker BP plans to utilize the Deepsea Nordkapp semi-submersible rig for upcoming drilling operations in the Utsirahøyden area. Following regulatory approval in 2023 for the Symra and Solveig Phase 2 developments, the company is moving forward with field tie-ins and infrastructure upgrades. The Solveig Phase 2 development, for instance, will link to the Edvard Grieg platform starting in early 2026, while Symra will connect to the Ivar Aasen platform with production expected in Q1 2027.

Since production began at Edvard Grieg in 2015, total recoverable reserves have nearly doubled from initial estimates, now reaching approximately 379 million barrels of oil equivalent. The platform continues to serve as a processing and export hub for surrounding fields, including Ivar Aasen and Solveig, and benefits from power supplied from shore through the Utsira High area solution — contributing to reduced CO₂ emissions.

As autonomous systems become increasingly embedded in offshore workflows, the role of robust and reliable infrastructure — including advanced cabling solutions — becomes indispensable. Whether for drone docking systems, real-time data transmission, or environmental sensors, industrial-grade cables ensure operational integrity in critical applications.

About Feichun Cable:
Feichun Cable specializes in manufacturing high-performance cable solutions designed for offshore, marine, and port applications. With a commitment to durability, flexibility, and safety, Feichun’s product line includes flame-retardant, oil-resistant, and low-smoke halogen-free cables that meet international standards. Our cables are engineered to support advanced technologies like remote monitoring systems and autonomous machinery, delivering consistent performance in the most demanding environments.