Seadrill Aims for Increased Offshore...

Offshore drilling contractor Seadrill Limited has introduced a new technology to enhance safety for offshore rigs, the company announced Monday.

Vision IQ, which was developed by technology company The Marsden Group, uses Artificial Intelligence (AI); Laser Imaging, Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and computing technology to monitor and provide advanced warning of potential dangers in the Red Zone – a high risk for energy area of the rig floor in which heavy drilling equipment operates. 

How It Works

LiDAR technology surrounds a rig’s Red Zone to create a dynamically monitored environment (similar to its use in autonomous vehicles), while Vision IQ’s AI technology allows real-time monitoring of the Red Zone using 3D visualizations.

This way, users can determine the exact position of crew members on the rig floor and their proximity to moving heavy equipment. The technology provides advanced warning for potential hazards.

Seadrill plans to make the technology behind Vision IQ available to peers.

“The introduction of Vision IQ is a major advancement in ensuring worker safety and improving the environment for our offshore crews,” Seadrill CEO Anton Dibowitz said in a company statement. “The safety of our people and our operation is fundamental… Vision IQ will help transform Red Zone Management.”

Seadrill piloted Vision IQ on a rig under contract offshore the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The company said it will be deployed on 12 rigs by the end of 2020.

To contact the author, email Valerie.Jones@Rigzone.com