Equinor is strengthening its capability within autonomy and remote operations, acquiring both a Mariner X and Eelume S3. We joined the event where Equinor successfully demonstrated the new technology at sea by NUI in Bergen.

All operations are controlled from shore

The Mariner X is an 8-meter-long uncrewed surface vessel (USV) which can operate for up to 25 days. It is equipped with two moonpools, one for equipment and one for a mini-ROV capable of operating down to 250 meters, which Equinor aims to extend to 400 meters.

The USV can be used for seabed mapping, communication with underwater intervention drones (UIDs), as well as communication relay between subsea equipment and land, and for supporting testing and qualification of subsea technology. As work has progressed, several use cases have been identified.

Expanding underwater drone capabilities

Equinor has also purchased one of the first Eelume underwater drones. The S-series combines long-range survey capability with terrain-following maneuverability, expanding the application of autonomous underwater vehicles into areas traditionally dominated by remotely operated vehicles.

• The two units will be further tested and stationed at K-lab, an Equinor test facility at Kårstø, south of Haugesund, between Bergen and Stavanger, says Pål Atle Solheimsnes lead engineer at Equinor, hosting the demonstration.

The test centre at K-lab has just been updated with a subsea test area. Equinor plan to start with near shore testing and inspection of pipelines.

• We plan to perform real operations, like inspection of fjord crossings, and then expand from there. The objective is more cost-efficient operations. “Searching for better” is key part of Equinor’s purpose. This has been written on the USV to remind the team of where they are heading, Solheimsnes concludes.

Rapid development

Advances in underwater drones, condition based maintenance and autonomous inspection are advancing rapidly, supported by artificial intelligence. Both sensor platforms have multiple sensors, which can support efficient offshore operations.

Reach Remote a 24-meter long USV was one of the winners of the UTC award 2025. The Mariner X is a smaller platform for lighter operations. Can these or similar solutions be candidates for next year’s UTC winners?