Revolutionising Offshore Surveys with Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) in Malaysia's Oil and Gas Industry: Legal Considerations and Market Potential

 

The world has seen two significant changes in the last two decades: the rapid growth of information and communication technologies (ICT) and the COVID-19 pandemic. Both have profoundly impacted lives and businesses, creating new needs and markets. One industry where these changes are particularly noticeable is the oil and gas sector. In this industry, a significant market gap can be filled with a new offering: Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) for offshore surveys. This write-up discusses how USVs can revolutionise offshore surveys in Malaysia's oil and gas industry, addressing a significant market gap with a unique value proposition while considering essential legal aspects.

The Challenge in Offshore Survey

Several crucial investigations must be carried out by the oil and gas industry before any offshore exploration and production activities can begin. These include surveys of the topography, assessments of the environment, studies of meteorology and oceanography, and mapping of hydrography. Typically, these surveys require highly trained surveyors to be physically present offshore to collect essential data that ensures safe and effective hydrocarbon activities.

Previously, the COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions due to strict quarantine requirements. For instance, the Ministry of Health's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) required a 14-day quarantine for personnel before and after offshore deployment. As a result, upstream oil and gas contractors faced additional costs and project delays, presenting a significant challenge.

The Solution: Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) 

It is suggested that implementing Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) technology to overcome this challenge. USVs are autonomous boats that operate on the sea surface without a crew, controlled remotely by operators. These vehicles are already widely used in military and naval operations for surveillance, environmental monitoring, and bridge inspections.

By integrating advanced ICT, data collected by USVs can be transmitted in an actual time control room, allowing operators to monitor and analyze it remotely from anywhere. This eliminates the need for surveyors to be physically present offshore, thereby reducing costs and avoiding delays caused by quarantine measures.

Unique Value Proposition

The introduction of USV technology in Malaysia's oil and gas industry offers a unique value proposition:

1. Cost Efficiency: Reduces the financial burden of deploying and quarantining surveyors offshore.
2. Time Savings: Eliminates delays caused by quarantine requirements, ensuring project milestones are met on time.
3. Enhanced Safety: Minimizes the risks to personnel by reducing the need for physical presence in potentially hazardous offshore environments.
4. Real-Time Data: Facilitates real-time data collection and analysis, improving the accuracy and speed of decision-making processes.

Market Feasibility and Legal Considerations

Although USVs have been utilized commercially in other countries, they have not been widely employed in Malaysia. The potential applications are vast, ranging from the oil and gas industry to emergency response, environmental monitoring, and the shipping industry.

However, several legal considerations must be addressed:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures USV operations comply with Malaysia's maritime laws and regulations.
• Data Security: Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect the data collected and transmitted by USVs.
• Operational Safety: Develop and adhere to safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure the safe operation of USVs.

Conclusion

The rapid advancement of ICT and the unprecedented challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need for innovative solutions in the oil and gas industry. The use of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) for offshore surveys is a significant advancement, offering cost savings, time efficiency, improved safety, and real-time data capabilities. Introducing this technology in Malaysia, our company aims to lead the market and set new standards for offshore surveying practices.

As we venture into this new territory, careful consideration of legal and regulatory frameworks will be crucial to ensure the successful implementation and operation of USVs. Therefore, it can be said that the future of offshore surveys is here, and it is unmanned.