Subsea Pipeline Inspection
Pipeline inspection that gives you numbers, not just pictures
A pipeline with a freespan under it, growth on it or damage to it is a risk the operator is expected to know about and show it is managing. Our ROV pipeline inspections measure what matters, the length and height of a freespan, the position of burial and touchdown points, the condition of the pipe and the state of the seabed around it, and hand it over in a report built for the people who have to plan the fix. The work is done by ROV, so nobody goes into the water, and the systems we use are compact enough to mobilise nearshore from a small vessel or quayside, or offshore from a platform or crew transfer vessel.
What we inspect on a pipeline
Most pipeline inspections come down to a handful of questions, and we plan the dive around answering them.
- Freespans: span length, span height above the seabed, and the burial and touchdown points at each end, all positioned so they can be found again.
- Pipe condition: visible damage, deformation, coating breakdown, leaks and the state of any field joints.
- Marine growth: coverage along the inspected length, because growth adds load and hides the steel.
- The seabed around the pipe: scour, debris, dropped objects and signs of trawl or anchor damage within a survey box around the span.
How a pipeline inspection runs
We deploy a compact observation-class ROV, typically a VideoRay Mission Specialist Defender or an Ocean Modules V8 M500, fitted with a high-definition camera, multibeam or imaging sonar and a navigation system. The sonar does the measuring, the video does the condition check, and the navigation ties every observation to a position.
Nearshore work runs from a small vessel or the shore. Offshore we are self-sufficient: the system mobilises in hours, deploys from a standard deck and needs no support vessel or platform crane. The ROV holds a survey line along the pipe in current, so measurements are consistent from one end of the span to the other and repeatable on the next visit.
What you get back
Every inspection is delivered as a package the remediation design can be built on, not a folder of video.
- High-definition video of the span and the pipe condition
- Sonar measurement of span length and height
- Burial and touchdown points fixed by GPS and navigation
- Marine growth coverage record
- Seabed survey with a debris and trawling check
- A written report with findings, positions and recommended next steps, so the same span can be monitored over time
A pipeline inspection we have done
An operator had a nearshore section of a 3.5-inch MEG pipeline that had lost the seabed beneath it. We surveyed it with a Defender carrying multibeam sonar and navigation. The span measured 28.14 metres at a height of 0.5 to 1.5 times the pipe diameter, the burial and touchdown points were positioned, and a 40 by 30 metre seabed survey found no debris and no trawl damage. The pipe showed no damage, deformation or leaks, which let the operator plan supports as a scheduled job rather than an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about pipeline inspection by ROV
Straight answers on freespans, measurement, mobilisation and what the report contains.
What is a pipeline freespan and why does it need inspecting?
A freespan is a length of pipeline with no seabed under it, usually because the bed has scoured away. The unsupported length is under load it was not designed for, and over time currents and waves can cause fatigue, deformation or a rupture. Operators are expected to inspect known spans and show they are managing them, and a remediation design needs accurate span length and height to work from.
Can an ROV measure a freespan accurately?
Yes. We measure span length and height with multibeam or imaging sonar rather than by eye, and a navigation system fixes the burial and touchdown points so the same span can be checked again on the next survey. On a recent job the span was measured at 28.14 metres with a height of 0.5 to 1.5 pipe diameters.
Do you need a support vessel or divers?
No divers. Nearshore pipelines are inspected from a small vessel or the shore; offshore we mobilise directly onto the platform or a crew transfer vessel and need no support vessel or platform crane. The systems are compact enough to set up in hours rather than days.
What depth can you inspect pipelines to?
The Ocean Modules V8 M500 is rated to 500 metres and the VideoRay Mission Specialist Defender to 305 metres, so nearshore and shelf pipelines are well within range.
What does the inspection report contain?
Video of the pipe condition, sonar measurements of any spans, positioned burial and touchdown points, a marine growth record, a seabed survey with a debris and trawling check, and written findings with recommended next steps. It is written for remediation planning and for comparison against future surveys.
Why work with us?
Expert Underwater Inspection Solutions You Can Rely On
Explore the benefits of working with Atlantas Marine for your inspection needs—leveraging advanced ROV technology, industry expertise, and comprehensive services to deliver accurate, efficient, and safe inspections for assets across various marine sectors.
We're fully self-sufficient. No support vessel or platform crane needed.
Our inspections are platform-launched, meaning we mobilise and operate directly from the asset being inspected, no support vessel required. That removes one of the highest costs and scheduling dependencies in a conventional photogrammetry programme.
We bring everything needed to run the operation. Our team arrives with a custom-built pressurised habitat and a PortaLARS system, so no platform crane is required. Bed space for three people is all we need from you.
This allows us to conduct thorough inspections of critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, offshore platforms, and subsea cables, ensuring the highest level of accuracy.
All we need from the platform:
- Beds for 3 personnel
- Food and drinking water
- Power supply
- Water supply for the CaviBlaster
Everything else, we bring.
Advanced ROV Technology
Atlantas Marine uses state-of-the-art ROVs equipped with high-definition cameras, advanced sonar systems, and precision manipulators to perform comprehensive underwater inspections. Our ROVs can capture real-time data with exceptional clarity, providing detailed imagery and 3D mapping, even in challenging underwater conditions.
This allows us to conduct thorough inspections of critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, offshore platforms, and subsea cables, ensuring the highest level of accuracy.
Increased Safety
By utilising ROVs for inspections, we eliminate the risks associated with using human divers in hazardous environments. Our ROVs can operate at depths and in conditions that are dangerous or inaccessible to divers, including high-pressure, low-visibility, and contaminated water environments.
This ensures that inspections are carried out safely, without compromising on quality, and reduces the risks to human life.
Comprehensive Reporting
Our inspection services come with detailed, actionable reports that provide a full overview of the findings. These reports include high-resolution images, video footage, and 3D models, as well as data from sonar systems and other sensors. With clear insights and recommendations, we help clients make informed decisions about repairs, maintenance, and compliance.
The comprehensive nature of our reporting ensures that no detail is missed and that clients have all the information they need.
Expertise Across Sectors
With experience spanning multiple sectors—including oil & gas, offshore renewables, marine research, and environmental monitoring—Atlantas Marine understands the unique challenges and requirements of each industry. Our expertise allows us to tailor our inspection services to meet the specific needs of your sector, ensuring that we provide relevant, industry-specific insights.
Whether it’s inspecting offshore wind turbine foundations or subsea pipelines, we deliver services that align with your operational goals.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Our ROV-based inspection services are a cost-effective alternative to traditional diver-led inspections. By using advanced technology, we reduce the need for manual intervention, lowering labor costs and minimising the risk of human error. Additionally, our efficient inspections mean faster results, saving both time and money while delivering high-quality data.
This approach is ideal for clients looking to optimise their operational budgets without compromising on the quality of their inspections.
Global Reach
Atlantas Marine provides inspection services worldwide, offering flexible support no matter where your project is located. Whether it’s a deep-sea exploration in remote waters or an offshore energy inspection near coastal regions, our team is equipped to handle projects on a global scale.
Our ability to mobilise quickly and efficiently ensures that we can support clients across multiple regions, helping you maintain the safety and integrity of your underwater assets, wherever they are.
Experienced Team
Our team of highly trained and certified ROV operators, engineers, and marine professionals bring decades of combined experience to every project. With extensive expertise in underwater inspections, our team is well-equipped to manage complex and challenging inspection tasks.
From planning and executing the mission to interpreting the data, our team ensures the highest level of professionalism, precision, and safety throughout the entire process.
Regulatory Compliance
Our inspection services are conducted in full compliance with local and international regulations and industry standards. We stay up to date with the latest guidelines from regulatory bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), ensuring that our services meet the required safety, environmental, and operational standards.
This means that clients can trust us to help them stay compliant, avoid penalties, and meet the necessary legal requirements for their underwater assets.
Speak to our team about a subsea pipeline inspection that measures the span, checks the pipe and positions every finding, with no divers in the water.