Saipem has been conferred the 2024 Spotlight on New Technology® Award by Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) for its technology for the digital monitoring of subsea pipelines during laying operations called Integrated Acoustic Unit (I.A.U.).
Saipem's I.A.U. is an innovative digital tool, based on acoustic, and therefore, non-intrusive technology, which enables real-time monitoring of the integrity of offshore pipelines during laying activities. The new technology provides greater accuracy and timeliness in remotely detecting obstructions, pipe deformations, accidental water ingress and other types of obstacles, and eliminates the risks associated with the mechanical detector commonly used during pipelaying. I.A.U. can also store all measurements taken and exchange them with the data acquisition system of the pipelay vessel, thus contributing to the digitalization of information regarding offshore laying operations.
The unit has obtained the Statement of Technology Qualification from the renowned certification body DNV and, after being extensively tested on Saipem's vessels, it is already supporting projects under execution.
Saipem had previously received the Spotlight on New Technology® award for three other proprietary innovations: in 2023 for FlatFish, an advanced underwater inspection drone, in 2021 for the Hydrone-R, an underwater intervention drone, and in 2019 for OIE (Offset Installation Equipment), the only technology in the world capable of remotely capping oil well spills due to incidents or blowouts.
