Aker Solutions: Pioneering the Future of Offshore Inspections and Renewable Energy
June 4, 2025, 7:42 pm
Location: United Kingdom, Scotland, Dyce
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1841
Total raised: $2M
Aker Solutions is at the forefront of a technological revolution in the energy sector. With recent advancements in autonomous drone technology and significant contracts in offshore wind projects, the company is reshaping how inspections and renewable energy infrastructure are managed. This article explores these developments, highlighting their implications for the industry and the environment.
In the vast expanse of the North Sea, Aker Solutions has made waves. The company recently achieved a remarkable milestone by installing an autonomous drone system on Aker BP’s Edvard Grieg platform. This drone is not just a flying machine; it’s a game-changer. It allows for remote inspections from shore, eliminating the need for human presence in hazardous offshore environments. Imagine a bird soaring over the ocean, capturing high-resolution images and data, all while being controlled from hundreds of miles away. This is the future of offshore inspections.
The first successful flight of this drone was conducted beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), a significant leap in drone operations. This capability opens the door to frequent and detailed inspections, enhancing safety and efficiency. Equipped with advanced sensors, the drone can detect wear and corrosion before they escalate into costly problems. It’s like having a vigilant guardian watching over critical infrastructure, ready to alert operators at the first sign of trouble.
Aker Solutions believes that this technology will revolutionize the energy industry. The integration of robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies is set to transform offshore maintenance. By deploying drones permanently on oil platforms, the company aims to reduce inspection costs by up to 70%. This is not just a reduction in expenses; it’s a rethinking of how inspections are conducted. Traditional methods, which often take days, can now be completed in hours. The drone’s ability to deliver detailed insights rapidly means that maintenance can be proactive rather than reactive.
The drone system is supported by a robust infrastructure, including a docking station and an onshore control room. This setup allows for seamless communication between the drone and platform personnel. It’s a symphony of technology working in harmony, ensuring that operations run smoothly and safely. The airspace and AIS monitoring systems further enhance safety, allowing for real-time adjustments and oversight.
But Aker Solutions isn’t stopping at drones. The company has also secured a significant contract for the BalWin2 offshore wind project in Germany. This contract involves delivering the steel substructure for a 2GW HVDC converter station, a critical component for connecting offshore wind energy to the grid. The project is a testament to Aker Solutions’ commitment to renewable energy and its ability to execute large-scale projects efficiently.
The fabrication of the HVDC substructures will take place at Aker Solutions’ yard in Verdal, Norway. At its peak, the project will employ over 450 people, showcasing the company’s role as a significant player in the renewable energy sector. This contract not only strengthens Aker Solutions’ portfolio but also highlights the growing demand for offshore wind energy solutions. As countries strive to meet their renewable energy targets, projects like BalWin2 are essential.
The timeline for the BalWin2 project is ambitious. Preparation will begin in the first quarter of 2026, with construction slated for the first quarter of 2027. Delivery is expected by 2029. This rapid pace reflects the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy sources. Aker Solutions is not just a participant in this transition; it is a leader, driving innovation and efficiency in the renewable energy landscape.
Both the drone technology and the BalWin2 project are part of Aker Solutions’ broader digital strategy. This strategy focuses on improving project execution, developing new services, and building a digitally ready organization. By leveraging data and software technology, Aker Solutions aims to enhance its offerings and ensure that it remains at the cutting edge of the energy industry.
In conclusion, Aker Solutions is carving a path toward a more efficient and sustainable energy future. The successful deployment of autonomous drones for offshore inspections and the significant contract for the BalWin2 offshore wind project are just the beginning. As the company continues to innovate, it sets a standard for others in the industry. The future is bright, and Aker Solutions is leading the charge, transforming challenges into opportunities and paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient energy landscape. The waves of change are here, and Aker Solutions is riding them to new heights.
In the vast expanse of the North Sea, Aker Solutions has made waves. The company recently achieved a remarkable milestone by installing an autonomous drone system on Aker BP’s Edvard Grieg platform. This drone is not just a flying machine; it’s a game-changer. It allows for remote inspections from shore, eliminating the need for human presence in hazardous offshore environments. Imagine a bird soaring over the ocean, capturing high-resolution images and data, all while being controlled from hundreds of miles away. This is the future of offshore inspections.
The first successful flight of this drone was conducted beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), a significant leap in drone operations. This capability opens the door to frequent and detailed inspections, enhancing safety and efficiency. Equipped with advanced sensors, the drone can detect wear and corrosion before they escalate into costly problems. It’s like having a vigilant guardian watching over critical infrastructure, ready to alert operators at the first sign of trouble.
Aker Solutions believes that this technology will revolutionize the energy industry. The integration of robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies is set to transform offshore maintenance. By deploying drones permanently on oil platforms, the company aims to reduce inspection costs by up to 70%. This is not just a reduction in expenses; it’s a rethinking of how inspections are conducted. Traditional methods, which often take days, can now be completed in hours. The drone’s ability to deliver detailed insights rapidly means that maintenance can be proactive rather than reactive.
The drone system is supported by a robust infrastructure, including a docking station and an onshore control room. This setup allows for seamless communication between the drone and platform personnel. It’s a symphony of technology working in harmony, ensuring that operations run smoothly and safely. The airspace and AIS monitoring systems further enhance safety, allowing for real-time adjustments and oversight.
But Aker Solutions isn’t stopping at drones. The company has also secured a significant contract for the BalWin2 offshore wind project in Germany. This contract involves delivering the steel substructure for a 2GW HVDC converter station, a critical component for connecting offshore wind energy to the grid. The project is a testament to Aker Solutions’ commitment to renewable energy and its ability to execute large-scale projects efficiently.
The fabrication of the HVDC substructures will take place at Aker Solutions’ yard in Verdal, Norway. At its peak, the project will employ over 450 people, showcasing the company’s role as a significant player in the renewable energy sector. This contract not only strengthens Aker Solutions’ portfolio but also highlights the growing demand for offshore wind energy solutions. As countries strive to meet their renewable energy targets, projects like BalWin2 are essential.
The timeline for the BalWin2 project is ambitious. Preparation will begin in the first quarter of 2026, with construction slated for the first quarter of 2027. Delivery is expected by 2029. This rapid pace reflects the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy sources. Aker Solutions is not just a participant in this transition; it is a leader, driving innovation and efficiency in the renewable energy landscape.
Both the drone technology and the BalWin2 project are part of Aker Solutions’ broader digital strategy. This strategy focuses on improving project execution, developing new services, and building a digitally ready organization. By leveraging data and software technology, Aker Solutions aims to enhance its offerings and ensure that it remains at the cutting edge of the energy industry.
In conclusion, Aker Solutions is carving a path toward a more efficient and sustainable energy future. The successful deployment of autonomous drones for offshore inspections and the significant contract for the BalWin2 offshore wind project are just the beginning. As the company continues to innovate, it sets a standard for others in the industry. The future is bright, and Aker Solutions is leading the charge, transforming challenges into opportunities and paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient energy landscape. The waves of change are here, and Aker Solutions is riding them to new heights.