Italy-based Saipem has received DNV approval for its system for subsea pipeline monitoring during laying operations.
The Integrated Acoustic Unit (IAU) technology has secured the statement of qualified technology for medium and large pipelines.
Norway-based DNV is an independent expert in assurance and risk management.
IAU is said to enable non-intrusive, remote offshore pipeline integrity monitoring while laying activities are taking place.
Saipem said its new technology is capable of real-time detection of blockages, pipe deformations, and water intrusion that are several kilometres away.
Additionally, it can communicate the data to an operator after classifying and quantifying any anomalies found.
The system will be employed in the Scarborough project in Australia.
Last year, Woodside Energy selected Saipem to coat the export trunklines and install the pipelines that would link the onshore plant with the offshore Scarborough gas project located in Western Australia.
Multiple IAU prototypes have already been integrated on the Castorone and Saipem 7000 vessels.
Saipem claimed that extensive field tests have shown that IAU is a reliable alternative to mechanical detectors in pipelay activities.
In addition, the new technology is said to eliminate the hazards associated with the employment of the mechanical detector such as cable breakage, loss of the device in the pipeline, and potential damage to the inner lining during pulling operations.
Earlier this month, Saipem secured two new offshore contracts worth approximately $850m. The contracts were awarded by Turkish Petroleum OTC and EnQuest Heather in the Black Sea and offshore UK, respectively.
